Bangladesh conveys security concern to Myanmar

 Bangladesh conveys security concern to Myanmar

Narinjara News, 17 October 2024

Bangladesh on Wednesday conveyed security concerns to Myanmar stemming from the volatile border situation including an increase in human trafficking, said Dhaka Tribune on 16 October issue.

The country’s foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain highlighted the issue when Myanmar ambassador in Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe  paid a maiden call on  him in Dhaka.

They discussed a range of bilateral issues including the repatriation of Rohingya people.

Bangladesh and Myanmar, being two neighbours, have certain challenges in bilateral relations that need to be resolved on a priority basis, said Touhid Hossain.

He expressed deep concern over the recent influx of over 40,000 Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh as they fled the conflict situation there.

The adviser emphasized on regional stability which remains crucial for both the nations.

Myanmar ambassador acknowledged the difficulties caused by the conflicts, explaining that the efforts toward the repatriation of displaced persons were delayed due to the ceasefire breakdown with the Arakan Army in November 2023. 

The foreign adviser expressed hope that the Myanmar government and other key players would soon engage in constructive dialogues to address the crisis.

He reaffirmed Dhaka’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with south-east Asian nations, where Myanmar emerges as a vital gateway. He also sought Naypietaw’s  support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a part of ASEAN’s sectoral dialogue.

They discussed strengthening bilateral trades, increasing people-to-people contacts and the potential resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Yangon.

They emphasized finalizing the coastal shipping agreement currently under negotiation between the two countries.

The ambassador conveyed his government’s gratitude to Bangladesh for providing shelter, food and medical support to Myanmar troops, as well as facilitating their repatriation after they had recently crossed into Bangladesh amidst the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State.