Corruption at border facilitates Rohingya influx: Foreign adviser
The adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country
Highlights:
- No talks with non-state actors on border
- Border, Rakhine issues require immediate resolution
- No more Rohingya refugees to be allowed
Widespread corruption at the border facilitates the entry of Rohingyas, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today (22 December).
"They [Rohingyas] are not entering through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop," Touhid told reporters at his office while sharing details about last Thursday's Informal Consultation at the Ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries in Bangkok, Thailand.
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The adviser said he called on Myanmar to address the ongoing border and Rakhine issues.
During the consultation, he also stressed that Bangladesh cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army, over control of the border.
"I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community"
"I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. It is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine," Touhid told reporters.
In reply, Myanmar informed that they are trying to take over control of the border to resolve the issue, the adviser said.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh's policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country.
However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had been compelled to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes.
Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, the foreign affairs adviser dismissed such fears.
"I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it by working with the international community," he said.
The meeting in Thailand on 19 December was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsar, and included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
Touhid mentioned that the meeting focused on three main issues – the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and Myanmar's political future.
During the meeting, he emphasised that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
"Criminals are present on both sides of the border and in the camps, and I highlighted these concerns," he added.
Regarding border issues, Touhid explained that the discussions mainly focused on the northeastern and southern borders, with particular attention given to the western border, where Bangladesh has strategic interests.
On Myanmar's political future, the foreign adviser noted that all participants expressed support for Myanmar's efforts to resolve its internal issues and move forward.
"Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," he said.
Concerns were also raised about the rise of scam centres engaged in internet crimes, which have been troubling Myanmar, along with ongoing issues such as drug trafficking and border-related criminal activities, he further said.
Representatives from other countries urged Myanmar to take appropriate measures to address these concerns, he added.
