BD to take measures against Myanmar’s repeated provocation

Staff Reporter :
Since the escalating internal conflicts in the Rakhine State, Bangladesh has been showing its patience against Myanmar’s infringement of international sovereignty rules as their mortar shells and bullets entered Bangladesh territory several times from their conflict zone.
Bangladesh in its narration said that the country believes in peaceful co-existence with its neighbour and will not fall in the trap of any provocation and urged Myanmar to refrain from such an issue.
However, Bangladesh also said that the country will take action against the repeated provocation of Myanmar if it compels Bangladesh.
Planning Minister Abdul Mannan said, “Bangladesh is a peaceful country. We don’t want any war or battle that people suffer. Myanmar does not have courage to do anything directly. They are in the habit of provocation. It is nothing new. People around the world know it.”
While visiting different Puja Mandaps in Sunamganj on Wednesday, Abdul Mannan said, “We need patience. Our government is showing it. If war takes place, many people will perish. Nothing will be gained from it.”
The minister, however, said, “If Myanmar continues provocation; we will be compelled to take measures. Our biggest power is our people. We have to talk about the main problem. Bangladesh is ready to hold talks Myanmar does not keep promises.”
Mentioning the diplomatic relations among China, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, Mannan said, “China and India maintain good relations with both Bangladesh and Myanmar. So, the two big neighbours could exert that influence on Myanmar to resolve the refugee crisis.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told the journalists that Bangladesh was facing the border tension in a cool way.
“We are doing what is necessary. We will not fall into Myanmar’s trap of provocation,” he added.
The Foreign Minister also said that the representatives of different countries including the US and UK have expressed their consensus with Bangladesh and said that the solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in repatriation.
Five years have gone since the Rohingya exodus in 2017 after fleeing from the persecution of the Myanmar army in the Rakhine state.
Though an instrument was signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for starting the repatriation, not a single Rohingya returned to their homeland yet.
Bangladesh has been raising the Rohingya issue for the solution, but no concrete result has come even after China’s intervention as a mediator.
But the recent fierce fighting between Myanmar army and Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border has created uncertainty about when the repatriation will start.
Against such a situation, Bangladesh has informed the foreign envoys that Myanmar has been trying to create instability in this region.
The diplomatis assured that they would stand by Bangladesh in time of need and inform the apprehension to their respective capitals.