Diplomatic efforts underway to defuse border tensions: BGB chief
Diplomatic discussions are underway with Myanmar to quell the tense situation that arose along the border of the two countries, said Director General (DG) of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Shakil Ahmed.
"We are monitoring the ongoing situation inside Myanmar very carefully. Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) is in regular communication with us through mobile phone, email and written statements," he told reporters after inspecting the border observation post (BOP) at Ghumdhum union in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Monday afternoon.
In June of this year, the conflict between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army in Myanmar's Rakhine and South Chin turned into an armed war involving heavy weapons and airstrikes. Even the artilleries and mortar shells used by the two forces are often coming to the territory of Bangladesh.
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After an interval of a few days, loud noises of heavy gunfire and explosions again rocked the border areas in Hoikang and Teknaf from 11 pm on Sunday to 8 am Monday morning.
About the mortar shells and bullets that are coming inside Bangladesh at different times, Shakil Ahmed said, "BGB had protested after each incident. At the same time, diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the situation."
The BGB chief on Monday morning visited BGB special camps adjacent to the Rohingya camps of the zero line in Tumbru, Baishpara and Konarpara border areas.
During the visit, the director general exchanged pleasantries with BGB members and gave instructions on operational, training and administrative matters.
"BGB is maintaining a tight presence along the border to prevent any Myanmar national from entering Bangladesh, as well as strengthening border patrols and intelligence surveillance," said Shakil Ahmed.
"We have spoken with them [Myanmar's BGP officials] and they agreed to hold the Lieutenant Commander-level flag meeting soon. Besides, we are also trying to hold a high-level meeting with them," he said.
"We hold regular meetings with Myanmar's BGP, as we do with India's BSF. In these meetings, we discuss the overall security and management of the border. Both sides reach an agreement through negotiation," the BGB chief said.
Shakil Ahmed also said that apart from preventing infiltration, BGB is taking a strict stand against all kinds of smuggling including drugs.
