Ready to handle any border situation, says Home Adviser in Teknaf

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured the nation that the border is secure and under control and Bangladesh is fully prepared to handle any situation along its border. 

"There is no reason for concern. We are fully prepared to handle any situation along the border," he said while briefing journalists on Monday afternoon after visiting the Teknaf border in Cox's Bazar.

The adviser highlighted enhanced security measures along the Myanmar border. "Workforce has been increased across all border outposts (BOPs), and additional personnel from other forces have been deployed. Patrolling activities in the Naf River have intensified, and intelligence operations are being conducted at key locations. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is conducting 24-hour patrols, with the Coast Guard, Ansar, and police also playing active roles," he said.

Speaking near the Damdamiya BOP in Teknaf, the adviser shed light on the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar. He noted that the Arakan Army has taken control of a 271-kilometre stretch of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, including the strategic Maungdaw Township, which they captured on 8 December.

Gunfire and artillery fire from Myanmar have frequently been heard along the border, with occasional stray bullets and shells landing near Bangladeshi territory. "We have maintained communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to safeguard our national interests," said the adviser.

The adviser recounted how wounded Myanmar nationals fleeing the conflict were provided shelter in Bangladesh on humanitarian grounds. Additionally, 876 personnel from the Myanmar junta's security forces surrendered to the BGB following intense attacks by the Arakan Army. These individuals were detained and later returned to Myanmar.

He assured residents of the border areas that the BGB and other forces are working professionally to ensure their safety and protect the nation's sovereignty.

The adviser iterated Bangladesh's firm stance on preventing further illegal infiltration of Myanmar citizens, including Rohingyas. "After sheltering one million Rohingyas in 2017, another 50-60 thousand infiltrated unnoticed by security forces until 2024. Some remain unregistered. Due to Myanmar's internal conflicts, more illegal infiltrators are attempting to cross into Bangladesh, aided by unscrupulous brokers. We must stop these brokers at all costs, with the active support of locals who are familiar with their movements," he said.

He emphasised that no additional Rohingyas or Myanmar nationals would be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally, no matter the circumstances.

He highlighted Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts to address the Rohingya crisis. "The Chief Adviser to the Interim Government raised the issue at the United Nations General Assembly and the 11th G-8 Summit in Cairo, urging world leaders to expedite the repatriation process," he said.

Earlier in the day, Jahangir Alam Chowdhury arrived in Teknaf by helicopter at 11 am to inspect the border area. Following his inspection, he briefed the media, accompanied by senior officials from the BGB, Coast Guard, and Police.