Myanmar officially expressed regret after Bangladesh on Sunday strongly protested its security forces flying helicopters over the Bangladesh-Myanmar border areas , firing of small arms and heavy weapons in the border area and loss of life and property caused by it. The protest was raised by the head of the Bangladesh delegation during a flag meeting between members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Myanmar’s Border Guard Police (BGP) held at Teknaf in Cox's Bazar on Sunday. Read: Home Minister inaugurates Viewer’s Gallery of BGB-BSF Joint Retreat Parade Lt Col Khalid Mohammad Iftekhar, commanding officer of BGB-2 Battalion, led an 8-member Bangladesh delegation while Police Lieutenant Colonel Ye Wai Soe, Commanding Officer, No (1) Border Guard Police Branch, led the 7-member Myanmar delegation at the flag meeting, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of the BGB headquarters in the evening. During the flag meeting , Bangladesh side also called upon the BGP to maintain a peaceful stand on the border and also to keep a watchful eye so that no shell falls inside Bangladesh in the future as a result of the internal conflict in Myanmar, the BGB PRO said at the flag meeting.

The current military government of Myanmar has agreed to honour all the previous agreements signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar, and has conveyed willingness to take back Rohingyas after verification, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said today. “That’s good news, but there is no specific date (for the repatriation to begin),” Momen said. The foreign minister also said that the Chinese side is yet come up with good news on Rohingya repatriation but they are continuing their efforts to that end. He was talking to reporters after his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming. Read: Rohingya repatriation: Dhaka may seek updates on Beijing's efforts “My discussion (with the Chinese ambassador) today focused on Myanmar and the Rohingya issues,” Momen said. The hour-long meeting was held at the State Guesthouse Padma. The foreign minister briefed media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later. Momen said, “They (China) are facilitators, not decision-makers. We are requesting them again and again.” The foreign minister said Rohingyas are a priority issue for Bangladesh. “We need a quick and sustainable solution to the crisis.” Read: Momen seeks Kuwaiti, Iranian support on Rohingya issue Responding to a question, Momen said there has been no discussion on the Teesta issue with the Chinese ambassador. “I said this issue was never raised to me.” Momen said he has conveyed to the ambassador that China should play a role so that Rohingyas living on ‘zero point’ can be taken back to the Myanmar side. He said the situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border has improved, which he sees as “good development”. Momen sees Rohingya repatriation as a “new assignment”. Read What PM said on Russia-Ukraine war, Rohingya issue, climate action, terrorism at 77th UNGA

Within days of firing mortar shells, fighter jets of Myanmar army have fired bullets towards Bangladesh this time, which have created panic among people living at the border. According to Dil Mohammad Alam, a local union parishad member of Tombru area under Naikhongchhari’s Ghumdhum union, Myanmar fighter jets fired 10-15 bullets between border pillar number 34 and 35 on Friday at about 10:45pm. “Besides firing, sporadic sounds of explosions were also heard throughout the day,” Dil Mohammad said. Amir Hamza, a local trader, said that although sounds of firing bullets and mortar shells between other pillars of Naikhongchhari remained suspended for the time being, this hasn’t been the case for pillar number 34 and 35. Read: Unexploded mortar shells found near Bangladesh-Myanmar border “It seems like the latest round of firing is taking a permanent shape with the passing of time. All of us living in this part of the border are fearing for our lives as the intermittent sound of firing isn’t showing any sign of stopping,” Amir said. According to sources, the locals also heard the sounds of a total of four explosions at 8:00am, 5:10pm, 5:28pm and 6:00pm.

Local administration is planning to evacuate members of 300 families in Ghumdhum union – along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border – under Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban, following continuous firings and mortar shelling near Tombru border over the last one month. Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Salma Ferdous said there are about 70 Bangladeshi families living within 300 to 500 yards of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. “Considering the overall situation along the border and safety of the locals, we plan to evacuate them.” “All 300 families in Ghumdum will be evacuated in phases,” she added. Also read: Myanmar envoy gets another earful at MOFA; tries to blame insurgents Dil Mohammad Bhutto, member of Ward No. 2 of Ghumdhum Union, said they heard sounds of gunshots and explosions till Saturday morning. Kofil Uddin, a resident of Ghumdhum, said many locals are leaving the border area on their own, fearing that the firing may start again at any moment. Around 35 Bangladeshi families have already moved to their relatives’ houses in Ukhiya's Balukhali, Ratapalong, Sonarpara, Palongkhali, Hoikang area of Teknaf upazila, under Cox’s Bazar. Also read: Home Minister: Will complain to UN over Myanmar’s mortar shelling if needed Dil Mohammad, a Rohingya leader, who took shelter at the Zero Point of Ghumdhum border, said that 4,200 Rohingyas took shelter at the Ghumdhum border. They have been anxious since taking shelter at this point in 2017. Myanmar repeatedly tried to evict the Rohingyas from the zero point, he added. Read BNP urges global community to act against Myanmar's insolent activities “The Rohingyas are very frightened now. But they are still staying at zero point. They don't know what to do,” he said. However, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Shamsud Douza told UNB that there is no scope for the Commissioner to do anything for the people or groups at zero point of the border. Many are cooperating locally and international organisations working along the border are engaged in providing emergency services. “If the Rohingyas take shelter outside the zero point and in various camps in Ukhiya, it is possible to help them in various ways,” he added. Read Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries Besides, following tension along the border, SSC center has been moved from Ghumdhum High School to Kutupalong High School in Ukhiya upazila, from where 499 candidates took part in the examination on Saturday, said UNO Salma. Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are also on high alert in the border area. Vehicles are being searched at different checkpoints at the border crossings. On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) summoned the Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh for the fourth time since August and lodged a strong protest against the incidents of shelling from Myanmar. Read UN experts seek more help for human rights defenders in push for accountability in Myanmar Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe “acknowledged” the firing of multiple mortar shells into Bangladesh territory, but tried to deflect blame by asserting that insurgents are engaged in firing heavy artillery and mortars, some of which landed inside Bangladesh territory. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also handed over a protest note to the ambassador, MoFA said. On Friday night, a 17-year-old-Rohingya boy named Mohammad Iqbal was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by the Myanmar army exploded at the Zero Point Rohingya Camp close to the international border in Tombru, Bandarban. Read Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary The deceased and injured were all residents of the Zero Point Rohingya Camp, known as the camp that is closest to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in No Man's Land. Four mortar shells landed in succession at the Rohingya camp around 8pm. Earlier, an indigenous youth named Anganthowai Tanchangya was grievously injured in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Friday noon. Locals said it is the Myanmar army that has mined the area. Read Warned Myanmar against firing shots towards Bangladesh, says Home Minister Twelve mortar shells have been fired by the Myanmar army on Bangladesh territory so far.

Acting foreign secretary Rear Admiral (Retd) Md Khurshed Alam said they had a high-level meeting today (September 18, 2022) with all concerned and urged Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Coast Guard to remain on high alert with “reinforcement”, if required. Khurshed Alam, also secretary at Maritime Affairs Unit (MAU) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Bangladesh is a “responsible and peace-loving” country and they are “observing and tolerating” the situation along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border with much patience. Talking to reporters at the ministry, he said they are in touch with all relevant agencies and the government remains alert so that no Myanmar national can enter Bangladesh. Also read: Myanmar ambassador summoned for the 4th time Earlier in the morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affais summoned the Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe for the fourth time and lodged a strong protest over the recent incidents along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The ambassador was summoned at the office of Md. Najmul Huda, Director General (South East Asia wing) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Khurshed Alam said Bangladesh conveyed to the ambassador that what’s happening in Myanmar is their internal issue and they need to think how they will solve it. Read BNP urges global community to act against Myanmar's insolent activities He said Bangladesh has told the ambassador to take steps to prevent repetition of such incidents – death and injuries – inside Bangladesh. The acting foreign secretary said the Myanmar envoy listened to the Bangladesh side and assured that he would report to the headquarters. The acting foreign secretary hoped that there will be a solution if Bangladesh remains strong. Bangladesh is not demonstrating any weakness, rather it is conveying its message to Myanmar from a very strong position, he added. Read Do more to cut Myanmar military's revenue, arms supply: UN to countries Asked who will take responsibility of the recent death, the acting foreign secretary said they cannot say exactly who had fired the bullet, though the bullet has “Myanmar army” written on it. He said the Myanmar side was saying these bullets had been stolen by the Arakan Army and they are using these bullets to create "distance" between Bangladesh and Myanmar. “In such a situation, it is difficult to determine who will take the responsibility.” Khurshed Alam said Bangladesh has asked Myanmar to take steps for stopping the spill-over of Myanmar’s internal conflict into Bangladesh.  Read UN experts seek more help for human rights defenders in push for accountability in Myanmar Earlier, Dhaka reiterated its “deep concern” over the recent incidents of Myanmar’s mortar shelling, indiscriminate aerial firing in the bordering areas, and air space violations. On Saturday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the government is trying to resolve the issues with Myanmar peacefully and diplomatically but a complaint will be lodged to the United Nations regarding mortar shelling at the border if necessary. He said the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has warned them (Myanmar) several times but they didn’t keep their promise. “We have lodged a strong protest over casualties from Friday’s mortar shelling by Myanmar at Tombru border,” he added. Read Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary On Friday night, a 17-year-old-Rohingya boy named Mohammad Iqbal was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by the Myanmar army exploded at the Zero Point Rohingya Camp close to the international border in Tombru, Bandarban. The deceased and injured were all residents of the Zero Point Rohingya Camp, known as the camp that is closest to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in No Man's Land. Four mortar shells landed in succession at the Rohingya camp around 8 pm. Also read: Home Minister: Will complain to UN over Myanmar’s mortar shelling if needed Earlier, an indigenous youth, named Anganthowai Tanchangya, was grievously injured in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari Upazila of Bandarban on Friday noon. Locals said it is the Myanmar army that has mined the area. Twelve mortar shells have been fired by the Myanmar army on Bangladesh territory so far.

Bangladesh today summoned Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh, Aung Kyaw Moe, for the fourth time and lodged a strong protest over the recent incidents along Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The ambassador was summoned at the office of Md. Najmul Huda, Director General (South East Asia wing) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to lodge the protest, said a MoFA source.    Ambassador Moe was seen running fast and left the MoFA quickly getting into his car to avoid the journalists who were present there.    Read: Home Minister: Will complain to UN over Myanmar’s mortar shelling if needed Earlier, Dhaka reiterated its “deep concern” over the recent incidents of Myanmar’s mortar shelling, indiscriminate aerial firing in the bordering areas, and air space violations. On Saturday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said the government is trying to resolve the issues with Myanmar peacefully and diplomatically but a complaint will be lodged to the United Nations regarding mortar shelling at the border if necessary. He said the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has warned them (Myanmar) several times but they didn’t keep their promise. “We have lodged a strong protest over casualties from Friday’s mortar shelling by Myanmar at Tombru border,” he added. Read:Rohingya boy killed, 5 injured as Myanmar steps up shelling along border “Myanmar’s internal conflicts should remain within its border but their forces are crossing the border time and again and injuring Bangladeshi nationals,” said Asaduzzaman. He said Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) is continuously being contacted about this issue and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has remained alert to prevent illegal entry of Rohingyas. On Friday night, a 17-year-old-Rohingya boy named Mohammad Iqbal was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by the Myanmar army exploded at the Zero Point Rohingya Camp close to the international border in Tombru, Bandarban. The deceased and injured were all residents of the Zero Point Rohingya Camp, known as the camp that is closest to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in no man's land. Read:Bangladesh wants discussion to avert border tension with Myanmar: Foreign Secretary Four mortar shells landed in succession at the Rohingya camp around 8pm. Earlier, an indigenous youth named Anganthowai Tanchangya was grievously injured in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Friday noon. Locals said it is the Myanmar army that has mined the area. Twelve mortar shells have been fired by the Myanmar army on Bangladesh territory so far.

Law enforcement agencies have further strengthened security measures along Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Naikhongchhari point as locals reported firing from helicopters from the Myanmar side today (September 3, 2022), says an official. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe again on Sunday to lodge strong protest regarding the matter, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told UNB. Around 9:20 am two helicopters and two aircraft appeared between pillar No 40 and 41 under Reju Amtali Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) BOP at Ghumdhum union of the upazila, said Md Jahangir Aziz, Chairman of Ghumdhum Union Parishad. “Two mortar shells fell 120 meters inside the Bangladesh border,” he said. For last few days tension has been growing along the Myanmar border with Bangladesh which has also spread among locals at Naikhongchhari and Ghumdhum border areas, said Md Tariqul Islam, Superintendent of Bandarban police. “Today locals have reported spotting firingfrom a Myanmar helicopter near the border and two mortar shells dropped from it” he said. The law enforcement agencies including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) remains alert and intelligence surveillance has also been increased near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, said SP Tariqul Islam. Also read: “BGB vigilant, none can enter from Myanmar now” On Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh is better prepared so that none can enter from Myanmar now due to the deteriorated situation in Rakhine state.   The Myanmar side was warned twice in August following mortar shells landing in Bangladesh territory from Myanmar and strong protest was lodged in this regard. “We do not want to step into Myanmar's provocation or trap,” he said, adding that they (Myanmar side) might have a strategic benefit if they can move in such a unilateral direction. Also read: MOFA lodges strong protest over Myanmar’s mortar shells into Bangladesh The Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Monday summoned Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Aung Kyaw Moe and lodged a strong protest against Myanmar’s mortar shells landing inside Bangladesh territory a day earlier.

Two unexploded mortar shell were found near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Tumbru Uttar para area of Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari upazila on Sunday afternoon. AKM Jahangir Aziz, Chairman of Ghumghum Union Parishad, said that locals came to know about the mortar shells due to a loud sound created by it. “We’re shifting people from the area. A large number of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members have been deployed to avert any untoward situation,” Aziz said. Also read: Dhaka to lodge protest against Myanmar shelling mortars into Bangladesh: FS Wishing not to be named, a BGB member said that the mortar shells were fired by the Myanmar army. Tariqul Islam, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bandarban district, confirmed the matter, saying that people of the area have been told to remain alert. According to locals, a fighting has been raging between the Myanmar army and the insurgent group Arakan Army in the Rakhine state for the last two weeks. A fierce fighting between the two forces broke out on Sunday, resulting in patrolling by helicopters and fighting jets of Myanmar on the border skies. Also read: Int'l community urged to intensify pressure on Myanmar military to stop violence against its people The finding of the mortar shells is likely to be related to the fighting, said the local administration.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the government will take tougher steps to prevent illegal arms and drugs smuggling, and human trafficking along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and warned of “firing shots”, if necessary. "There was a decision not to open fires along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. But now, firing shots will be allowed (if necessary) to prevent illegal activities," he said. The Foreign Minister came up with the warning while talking to reporters at a function here. Also read: FM seeks Commonwealth solidarity for Rohingya repatriation Dr Momen said there has been a discussion with the Home Minister to take tough action to stop all kinds of smuggling along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. "The Home Ministry will take a decision in this regard.” Two ambulances, gifted by the Indian government, were handed over to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital. Earlier, a decision had been taken to stop firing along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border but illegal smuggling is still carried out along the border, said Momen. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami was present. Talking about the incomplete Sylhet Airport-Badaghat bypass, the Foreign Minister said the officials of Roads and Highways Department should quit their jobs for failing to complete the work. The construction work on the 12-km Sylhet Airport-Badaghat bypass started in 2010 during the tenure of former Finance Minister AMA Muhith. He also expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing many development works and the negligence of the authorities concerned. Referring to the development work on Sylhet Specialized Mother and Child Hospital, Momen slammed the authorities concerned for failing to upgrade the hospital to a 200-bed one hospital from the existing 100-bed hospital. An amount of Tk 110 crore had been allocated for the development of the hospital but the authorities concerned spent only Tk 10 crore and returned the rest of the amount without upgrading it. Also read: Rohingya children must be educated in their own language: FM "They’ve just wasted the money allocated for the health sector of Sylhet and it happened just due to negligence of the authorities concerned,” he said. Referring to the six-lane work of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway, Momen said the work has been divided into 13 sections and tenders for that of eight sections have been floated. "The work on the Sylhet portion is being delayed due to the complexity in land acquisition," he said, hoping that the work would begin soon.

Bangladesh has sought immediate steps on Myanmar by the UN Security Council asking Myanmar to refrain from escalating the situation and targeting the Rohingya minorities in the pretext of security operation.