Staff Reporters :
The Bangladesh government deepens diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue with Myanmar over escalating cross-border firing reaching Saint Martin’s Island, while the Bangladesh Army chief warns of ‘appropriate’ actions if the situation turns worse.
Besides, the main opposition party, BNP, blamed the government’s ‘knee-jerk’ foreign policy for the crisis on Saint Martin’s Island.
In response to escalating cross-border firing reaching Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh has intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue with Myanmar.
The Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, Obaidul Quader, emphasised the country’s commitment to seeking peaceful solutions and avoiding escalation.
Addressing the press at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi, Quader highlighted the potential consequences of Myanmar’s internal violence affecting Bangladesh.
“It will be regrettable if we suffer due to Myanmar’s internal crisis. Bangladesh continues its efforts for a resolution through dialogue to prevent conflict,” he stated firmly.
While asserting Bangladesh’s readiness to defend itself, Quader emphasised the nation’s stance against initiating hostilities. “We are prepared to defend ourselves.
We will not initiate an attack, but we will respond firmly if provoked,” he affirmed. Quader reiterated that Bangladesh harbours no animosity towards Myanmar and remains open to diplomatic discussions.
Quader acknowledged Myanmar’s complex internal situation, noting the presence of multiple ethnic groups and internal conflicts under a military government. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh remains committed to peaceful dialogue while maintaining its readiness to defend against any aggression.
“As our neighbour faces internal crises, we seek peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, if provoked, we will respond appropriately. Bangladesh’s capabilities should not be underestimated,” Quader concluded, reaffirming the nation’s stance amidst the current tensions.
Addressing the ongoing Rohingya crisis, Quader praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s humanitarian stance, which has earned her international acclaim.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina generously opened the borders for humanitarian reasons. For this, she is called the ‘Mother of Humanity’. Now, countries and organisations around the world praise us. We need the lip service of big countries in this regard,” he remarked.
Quader also expressed concern over the diminishing international assistance for the Rohingyas amid Bangladesh’s own economic challenges. “The amount of assistance for Rohingyas has decreased significantly. We are worried about the ongoing economic crisis. The additional burden of 10–12 lakh Rohingyas is creating pressure,” he added.
Shifting focus to domestic issues, Quader commented on the traffic congestion during the Eid journey. He acknowledged the congestion but reassured the public that no extensive delays were experienced. “Although there is traffic congestion in some places, there was no need to wait for hours anywhere,” he noted.
Quader also addressed claims by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regarding the potential fall of the current government. He dismissed these claims as unrealistic.
Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday, “Bullets are coming from Myanmar, while Bangladeshi trawlers are going to Saintmartin. The people are in an acute food crisis on Saint Martin Island. It was the result of the government’s subservient attitude. The government’s knee-jerk foreign policies are responsible for such incidents.”
Mirza Fakhrul came up with these remarks while addressing a discussion meeting at the National Press Club on the occasion of ‘Black- Day of the News Papers’. The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists organised the event.
Mirza Fakhrul said the government keeps silent while the killing of Bangladeshi nationals happens within borders. It always stays silent if the neighboring country stops sharing our water.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed warned on Saturday that his personnel are ready to respond if the situation over Saint Martin from Myanmar turns ‘another direction’. The Army chief said, “Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard are keeping an eye on the Saint Martin situation.”
“They (the BGB and Coast Guard) are looking over the situation closely. We, the Army, are also ready. If the situation turns worse or goes in another direction, we will take appropriate measures,” the Army chief said while hoisting the flag of a Brigade Signal Company under the supervision of the 9th Infantry Division of the Army in Jazeera, Shariatpur district.
The Army chief said boldly that if the country faces any foreign aggression, that will be prevented. General SM Shafiuddin said the Army has the responsibility of protecting the country’s sovereignty, and it is completely ready to do it.
He said the modernisation of the Army is being implemented as part of the force’s goal of 2030. The flag-hoisting ceremony was held as part of this goal. Deputy Commissioner, Police Superintendent, and higher Army officials were present in the programme.