Bangladesh has successfully repatriated 330 individuals, including members of Myanmar’s army and Border Guard Police (BGP), who entered Bangladesh amid internal conflict at the border. The transfer was facilitated by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) with strict security measures, involving buses and naval transport. The repatriation process took place at the Inani Jetty in Cox’s Bazar, with the individuals transported to a waiting Myanmar Navy ship at the border. The group comprised 302 BGP members, four family members of BGP personnel, two army members, 18 immigration officials, and four civilians.
A delegation from Myanmar’s BGP, led by Police Colonel Myo Thura Naung, arrived at the Bangladesh border on a Bangladesh Coast Guard ship to oversee the repatriation. Myanmar Ambassador U Aung Kyaw Moe and other officials were present during the process. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal announced Myanmar’s agreement to take back their security force members on February 13, indicating a peaceful resolution to the situation.
The conflict in Rakhine state involving rebel factions has triggered clashes with Myanmar’s military junta, resulting in ongoing hostilities marked by gunfire, shelling, and rocket explosions. The conflict primarily revolves around control of a border camp, and there are reports of insurgent groups challenging the government army in different parts of Myanmar. The situation has raised concerns about casualties and the potential for escalation.
On February 5, two people were killed inside the Bangladesh border due to mortar shells reportedly fired from Myanmar, prompting heightened tensions. Bangladesh’s border with Myanmar spans 271.0 kilometers, and the recent unrest adds complexity to the region. In a separate incident on February 9, BGB personnel arrested 23 Rohingyas attempting to enter Bangladesh, seizing firearms and ammunition. The current crisis, however, appears unrelated to the Rohingya refugee situation that prompted Bangladesh’s significant role in providing shelter in 2017.