Bangladesh working to repatriate Myanmar border guards: FM

As many as 177 border guards, along with some civilians, entered Bangladesh and were subsequently pushed back, says the foreign minister

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said the government is making progress in repatriating Myanmar's Border Guard Police personnel who have fled the ongoing conflict between junta forces and armed insurgents.

He informed reporters at the foreign ministry on Tuesday that 177 border guards, along with some civilians, crossed into Bangladesh and were subsequently pushed back into Myanmar territory.

Hasan explained that discussions with the Myanmar government had facilitated the repatriation of army personnel and their family members in the past, and similar efforts were underway in the current situation.

On Feb 15, the government repatriated a total of 330 individuals, including members of Myanmar's border guards and armed forces, who had fled the conflict in Rakhine State.

The group included 302 BGP personnel, four of their family members, two army men, 18 immigration officials and four civilians.

The Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, reported on Monday that an additional 179 BGP members had arrived in a single day.

Highlighting the border conflict as a major concern for Bangladesh, the foreign minister remarked, “Myanmar's internal affairs, particularly in the border regions, remain unstable, leading to recurring problems and situations [in Bangladesh].”

Regarding the possibility of summoning Myanmar Ambassador U Aung Kyaw Moe to Dhaka, he said, "We're in discussions with Myanmar regarding this issue. If required, we may summon their ambassador."