Bangladesh reaffirms to stop further infiltration as conflicts in Myanmar escalate

Amid escalating conflicts in Myanmar's Rakhine State, Bangladesh yesterday (24 December) reiterated that it would take all necessary steps to ensure required security along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and stop further infiltration into Bangladesh.

"Bangladesh will do whatever is necessary for securing its border. All relevant agencies of the Bangladesh government, including the BGB [Border Guard Bangladesh], are on the highest and appropriate alert in this regard to prevent new infiltration into Bangladesh," spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at its weekly briefing.

On 8 December, he said, the Arakan Army captured Maungdaw city in Rakhine State, taking control of 13 out of 17 cities.

Responding to a question, Rafiqul Alam said it is difficult to say how many people are waiting on the other side of the border.

Bangladesh informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under their control; rather it is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army.

As a state, Bangladesh says, it cannot engage with a non-state actor and Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine.

Bangladesh renewed the call for a "comprehensive roadmap" for Rohingya repatriation with priority attached to ensuring stability in Rakhine State.

On 22 December, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh had to accept over 60,000 Rohingyas under certain circumstances through various unofficial channels, including border-related corruption, despite its decision in principle not to allow any new arrivals from Myanmar.

"We had a position in principle that no new arrival one will be allowed. No one was allowed formally. Another thing we need to keep in mind is that there is huge corruption at the border. And it is true," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his recent informal consultation at the ministerial level among Myanmar and its five neighbouring countries.

The six-nation consultation was held in Bangkok on 19 December under the chairmanship of the Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Than Swe.

Responding to a question, Hossain said the Rohingyas are not entering Bangladesh through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop.

Asked about a potential new influx of Rohingya refugees, he dismissed such possibilities. "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," Hossain said.

Bangladesh is aware of the civil war situation currently prevailing in Myanmar, and the 1.2 million Rohingyas who were forcibly displaced from the Rakhine state under extreme atrocities are sheltered in Bangladesh for the last seven plus years.

There has been no progress in their repatriation and the situation is further complicated by a non-state actor, the Arakan Army taking control of the entire border with Bangladesh, Adviser Hossain said.

Referring to his meeting in Bangkok, the foreign adviser said, "I told them that peace and order will not be possible in Myanmar, and consequently in the region, unless the Rohingyas can go back to their homes with security and rights."

"It is incumbent on Myanmar and the regional powers to create a congenial atmosphere for their return," he said. "I had the scope to talk in detail as it was an informal discussion and I explained our position clearly," Hossain told reporters at the foreign ministry.

"If Rohingya problem is not resolved, peace and stability that you are thinking of will never be achieved," he said, while conveying Bangladesh's position during the meeting in Bangkok.