Home Affairs Advisor (retired) Lieutenant General Md. Jahangir Alam said that although the Arakan Army is occupying the Myanmar border, Bangladesh's border is fully secured. He also said that while bringing goods from Myanmar, the Myanmar government has to pay taxes at Sittwe and later at the Naf River border crossing. Although the border situation is complicated, the Bangladesh government is working to resolve the situation by keeping in touch with the Myanmar government and both sides formally and informally.
He said this at a function in Cox's Bazar on Saturday, where he inaugurated four BGB units.
During his visit to Cox's Bazar, the Home Affairs Advisor formally inaugurated four new units of the BGB, including the 64th Battalion of Ukhiya. It also included the Dhaka Station Headquarters, Guard Police Battalion and Gazipur Dog Squad-9 Unit. BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, GOC of 10th Infantry Division, Ramu Cantonment Major General Mohammad Asadullah Minhajul Alam and other senior officials were present at the flag hoisting ceremony.
The Home Affairs Advisor said, “The border security is now fully secured, but the border strategy of the Arakan Army and the Myanmar government is making our work a little complicated.” He added that the Rohingya problem is a big challenge for Bangladesh, as it is creating security risks at the border. Added to this is drug smuggling and the yaba trade, which are creating further complications at the border.
He stressed the importance of quickly repatriating the Rohingya to their home country and said the Bangladesh government was working on this issue. “The sooner they can be repatriated, the better for us,” he said.
The Home Affairs Advisor said regarding the killing of a Bangladeshi citizen in BSF firing at the Brahmanbaria border, "This is a very sad incident. Discussions are being held at the level of the BGB and BSF Director Generals to stop border killings, but still some incidents are happening." He said that the government and BGB are working to reduce border killings, but it is difficult to bring it under complete control, because the BSF has the power to use weapons.
Besides, after a meeting with officials of the Home and Agriculture Ministries at the Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner's Office, the Home Affairs Advisor said that several complications are arising due to the border situation while bringing goods from Myanmar. He said, "We have to keep in touch with the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army and the government is working to resolve this problem."
He also expressed concern about the recent trend of kidnappings in Cox's Bazar and criminal activities involving Rohingyas and called for their immediate repatriation.
This situation proves that the government is trying to address all risks by securing the border and taking the right measures.
