Staff Reporter :
At least 29 Border Guard Police (BGP) personnel sought refuge in Bangladesh on Monday amid escalating clashes between Myanmar’s government troops and rebel factions.
Shariful Islam, communication officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), confirmed the incident, stating that the armed BGP members crossed into Bangladesh from Angthapaya Camp through the border area of Jamchari Union in Bandarban’sNaikhongchhariUpazila under Battalion 11 of the BGB.
Upon receiving the information, multiple BGB teams swiftly responded to the scene and began the process of disarming the BGP personnel, according to Shariful Islam.
NurulAbser, chairman of NaikhongchhariSadar Union Parishad, reported that the armed BGP members sought shelter in a lemon orchard after crossing the border between pillars 45 and 46 of Jamchari Ward 8 around 12:30 p.m.
Residents of the Jamchari border area stated that they have been experiencing intense fighting and hearing mortar explosions since Monday morning.
The clashes stem from ongoing conflicts between rebel factions in Arakan State and Myanmar’s military junta, primarily revolving around the control of a border camp. Gunfire, mortar shells, and rocket explosions have characterised the recent confrontations.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said in a press conference in his ministry on Monday that Bangladesh has been closely monitoring the situation.
“Bangladesh is in contact with the Myanmar government and believes that the internal affairs of Myanmar should be addressed by their government,” he said in response to the question that Myanmar rebel groups are in communication with China, India, and Russia.
This incident follows a similar occurrence last month, when over 330 BGP personnel sought refuge in Bangladesh amid clashes. On February 15, they returned to Myanmar through Ukhia.
