The Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh has taken a firm stance against the escalating conflict along its shared border with Myanmar, resulting in a significant migration crisis. The ministry has called upon Myanmar's ambassador to Bangladesh to address the matter urgently.
Reports from The Daily Star reveal that the diplomatic tension was sparked by the persistent violence within Myanmar, which has spilled over into Bangladeshi territory. The ongoing hostilities between ethnic armed groups and the military have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with estimates suggesting that over 6,000 individuals have perished in clashes since the military coup on February 1, 2021.
In response to the volatile situation, the Bangladeshi government has increased security presence along the contested frontier. Local border officials have confirmed that 229 Myanmar border guards have defected to Bangladesh, some of whom were wounded during the crossings. These defectors are currently receiving medical treatment before being repatriated.
Recent incidents, such as the mortar attacks in the Bandarbam district, have left two fatalities and a child injured. The incident prompted the local administration to temporarily shut down schools and businesses, leading to a noticeable decrease in activity in border areas. Many residents are now considering relocating inland to escape the turmoil.
Furthermore, bdnews24.com reports that large numbers of Myanmar nationals are congregating near the border, raising concerns about potential refugee influx. Bangladesh's Refugee Commissioner, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, has expressed apprehensions about the possibility of unauthorized crossings and the subsequent strain on resources. He has appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations, to extend aid to Myanmar citizens trapped at the border, thus preventing them from crossing and alleviating the pressure on Bangladesh.
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Photo: K M Asas/World Bank/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS