Authorities have tightened security in and around the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi to prevent any untoward incidents following violent clashes between two groups that left two people dead and many injured. A large contingent of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other forces, along with regular police, have been patrolling the area, reports UNB’s district correspondent from the scene. According to a statement from the BGB headquarters, four platoons have been deployed in the area. Despite the heavy security, a tense atmosphere persists there. Locals reported that followers of Maulana Saad remain inside the ground, while those of Maulana Zubair are positioned outside. Meanwhile, a meeting between the two groups was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs later today (Wednesday). The meeting asked the two groups to vacate the ground and they were learned to have agreed to leave the area. Read: Ijtema: Saad’s supporters attempt to march to Chief Adviser’s residence As per the government’s decision, the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubair’s followers, will take place from January 31 to February 2 next year, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from 7 to 9 February. Although the government permitted the Saad group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has been reluctant to accept the decision. Tensions between the two groups have been brewing ever since. In preparation for their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to be held from December20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. But, sensing their presence, Zubair’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am. In response, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain entry to the ground, launched a counter-attack, leading to a fierce clash that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries. Locals alleged that as Saad’s supporters entered the ground, police stationed at the Ijtema site moved away, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east. Read more: First phase of Biswa Ijtema to begin Jan 31 Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the fatalities, adding that several injured individuals were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He said that the situation is now under control, with law enforcement remaining on high alert.

Home Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam has said the BDR carnage will be reinvestigated and it’s a must. “Investigation team will be formed very soon ,” he said responding to a question from reporters after visiting the headquarters of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Pilkhana on Monday morning. Replying to another question the home adviser said the law and order situation of the country has improved slightly but it isn’t satisfactory yet and more improvement is needed. “You know the government has changed almost all the police members  in Dhaka. The new police personnel will take time to know alleys, lanes and make a network,” he added. He reaffirmed that the criminals won’t be spared, no matter how much powerful they are though many influential criminals had been spared earlier. Regarding the BGB, he suggested the frontier battalion to maintain cordial relationship with people who could help them in several ways. About the influx of drugs, he strictly instructed the BGB personnel to strengthen vigilance to check smuggling of the phensedyls and other drugs through borders. Admitting the intrusion of some Rohingyas recently, the advisers said those entered will be sent back as the number of Rohingyas has already stood at around 13 lakh. Earlier, he held a views exchange meeting with senior officials and others at the BGB headquarters. BGB Director General Maj. Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui was also present. On 25-26 February 2009, a mutiny in the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) left 74 people, including 57 army officers, murdered at the Pilkhana Headquarters. Read: BDR Mutiny: Dismissed jawans demand reinstatement in their jobs with full facilities On 5 November 2013, a Dhaka court awarded death sentences to 150 BDR members and two civilians, and life imprisonment to 160 others in the case. On 27 November 2017, the High Court confirmed the death penalty for 139 out of 152 accused. Following the heinous killings of the army officers at the Pilkhana headquarters, the government renamed the mutiny-hit paramilitary force BDR as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), changing its logo as well as uniform.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) during their annual day parade on Monday (March 04, 2024), emphasizing the paramount importance of adhering to the chain of command for maintaining discipline within the ranks. “Keep in mind that the chain of command is the most important driving power for a disciplined force. Never break the discipline; continue following the chain of command,” Sheikh Hasina urged the BGB members. The premier was addressing the parade of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day-2024 at its headquarters in Dhaka. The Prime Minister reflected on her government’s initiatives to bolster the BGB, citing the enactment of the Border Guard Bangladesh Act 2010 as a pivotal step towards enhancing the force's capabilities. “Now BGB has been built as an efficient, strong, modern three-dimensional force,” she said, adding that BGB is now capable of performing its duty on land, water, and air. She said the Awami League government adopted the ‘Border Guard Bangladesh Vision-2041’ in a bid to develop the BGB as a world-class border guard force. Clamp down on illegal hoarding of commodities during Ramadan: PM tells DCs “We want Border Guard Bangladesh to be developed as a world-class border force, and march forward as border sentinels, becoming a symbol of trust for the people of Bangladesh,” she said adding that BGB will also be a smart force in Smart Bangladesh by 2041. The prime minister appreciated the role of protecting the country’s borders and combating different border crimes, and standing beside the people during any crisis in the country. “Alongside protecting the border, the BGB resisted different border crimes including smuggling, drug and women, children trafficking in a responsible manner,” she said. Apart from playing the role as sentinels on the border, the BGB stands beside the people during any problem like arson violence in the country and always plays a role in protecting the lives and property, and thus they gained the trust and confidence of the nation, she said. Recalling the 2009 BDR mutiny, Prime Minister Hasina shared her deep emotional connection to the tragedy, in which 74 individuals, including 57 distinguished officers, were tragically killed. The events unfolded on February 25 and 26, 2009, marking one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history. PM said that she feels a profound sorrow, remembering the lives lost during the mutiny. She offered prayers for the souls of the deceased and extended her heartfelt condolences to their families. “No one can truly comprehend the depth of sorrow that comes with losing loved ones, as I do,” Hasina stated, emphasising her personal empathy for the bereaved families. The Prime Minister reassured that those responsible for the mutiny have been held accountable, expressing her hope that such a tragedy will never be repeated. Turning to the advancements made under her leadership, the PM outlined significant steps taken to modernise the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), noting the recruitment of 35,517 soldiers over the past 15 years. A notable milestone in inclusivity, her government initiated the integration of women into the force, with 936 female soldiers joining since 2015. Blaze-hit Bailey Road building had no fire exit: PM Hasina In response to emerging threats, her administration has implemented the ‘Smart Digital Surveillance and Tactical Border Response System’ across vulnerable sections of the border, enhancing surveillance capabilities and bolstering defences against trans-border terrorism. Further emphasizing her commitment to border security and regional development, Hasina highlighted the construction of 1,036 km of border roads. This infrastructure project aims not only to secure the hilly border areas but also to improve the socio-economic conditions of remote communities. The prime minister inspected a spectacular parade arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground in Pilkhana, riding on an open decorated vehicle, and then received salute of the march-past. She handed over the BGB Medal, President BGB Medal, BGB Medal-Service and President BGB Medal-Service to 72 selected BGB personnel in recognition of their heroic and outstanding contribution to different activities of the force. The PM unveiled a sculpture of Bangabandhu titled “Prerona” at the BGB headquarters. Earlier, on her arrival, Sheikh Hasina was received by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqu. Read more: BGB thwarts gold smuggling attempt, arrests woman with 11 bars in Chuadanga

Amid the ongoing conflicts along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, five Rohingya people including a woman with bullet injuries, entered Bangladesh through Shah Porir Dwip jetty in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. The intruders came here from Myanmar crossing the Naf River and arrived at Shah Porir Dwip Jetty Ghat in Teknaf around 4 pm, said Abdus Salam, UP member of ward number 9 of Teknaf Sabarang Union. 330 officials handed over to Myanmar Later, "We informed BGB members and they reached the spot," he added. However, no statement was received from Teknaf Border Guard BGB in this regard. Unidentified man’s body found along Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar

A delegation from Myanmar, led by Ambassador Aung Kyaw Moe, arrived at the Naval jetty ghat in Inani, Cox’s Bazar district, on Thursday (February 15, 2024), aboard a speedboat at 9:50 am, to repatriate 330 members of the Myanmar security forces and others who had sought refuge in Bangladesh.  The group had crossed into Bangladesh, fleeing clashes between the Myanmar military and armed rebel groups. Read: 330 BGP members, others to be handed over to Myanmar authorities Thursday: BGB  The repatriation, supervised by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), involves individuals including members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP). The process was earlier confirmed by BGB's public relations officer, Shariful Islam, who also noted that the transfer involved six buses transporting the individuals from Nhila and Ghumdum points to Inani earlier that day. Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, had previously indicated that the repatriation of these individuals was imminent, amidst ongoing border tensions and skirmishes in the Bandarban's Naikhongchhari area. In light of the conflict, the BGB and Coast Guard have ramped up surveillance efforts to prevent further crossings. This border tension has led to casualties on the Bangladeshi side, including the deaths of a Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man due to mortar shell impacts from Myanmar. An unidentified body was also found on February 8 in the Rahmaterbil border area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, as reported by Md Shamim Hossain, Officer-in-Charge of Ukhiya Police Station. Read: DMP forms 'quick response team' to ease movements of SSC examinees   Additionally, on February 9, BGB personnel detained 23 Rohingyas with 12 firearms and 868 rounds of ammunition as they attempted to cross into Bangladesh. A case was subsequently filed under the Arms Act at Ukhiya police station, with a court ordering a 3-day remand for each individual involved.

Amid the ongoing conflicts along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, 63 more Myanmar forces and border guards have taken shelter in Bangladesh till Wednesday noon, taking the total number to 327, said BGB sources. A total of 327 Myanmar forces including BGP, army personnel and immigration officials have taken shelter in Bangladesh, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The 63 Myanmar forces have entered Bangladesh today with arms through Whaikhong in Teknaf border. The BGB disarmed them and took them to a safe shelter, the PRO said. Read: What the BGB DG said during visit to Bangladesh-Myanmar border today In a statement during his visit to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar today (February 7, 2024), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, newly appointed Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), declared the force’s high alert status to address any potential border-related incidents. During the visit, Major General Siddiqui underscores the BGB’s commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty while adhering to humanitarian principles and fostering positive international relations. “The border situation is fully under control, and we are dedicated to managing it with patience, humanitarian considerations, and in a manner that respects our international obligations, as directed by the Prime Minister. Under no circumstances will illegal entry into Bangladesh be permitted,” Major General Siddiqui emphasized. His remarks came during a thorough inspection of the border outposts at Tambru and Ghumdum areas within the Naikhongchhari upazila. This tour included assessments of the operational conditions and morale among BGB personnel stationed along this critical frontier. Read: No more Rohingyas to be allowed in: New BGB Chief A Bangladeshi woman and a Rohingya man were killed following an explosion of a mortar shell at a house in Jolpaitoli under Ghumdum union of Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban district on Monday. Besides, academic activities of five government primary schools in Naikhangchhari upazila have been suspended.

In a statement during his visit to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar today (February 07, 2024), Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, newly appointed Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), declared the force’s high alert status to address any potential border-related incidents. During the visit, Major General Siddiqui underscores the BGB’s commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty while adhering to humanitarian principles and fostering positive international relations. “The border situation is fully under control, and we are dedicated to managing it with patience, humanitarian considerations, and in a manner that respects our international obligations, as directed by the Prime Minister. Under no circumstances will illegal entry into Bangladesh be permitted,” Major General Siddiqui emphasized. His remarks came during a thorough inspection of the border outposts at Tambru and Ghumdum areas within the Naikhongchhari upazila. This tour included assessments of the operational conditions and morale among BGB personnel stationed along this critical frontier. No more Rohingyas to be allowed in: New BGB Chief Major General Siddiqui’s directive to the border guards highlighted the importance of professionalism and vigilance in safeguarding the border against any arising challenges. Furthermore, the BGB Director General took a moment to inquire about the welfare of Myanmar security forces and army personnel who have sought refuge in Bangladesh during the ongoing conflicts in Myanmar. To date, Bangladesh has provided asylum to 264 members of the Myanmar forces, including Border Guard Police (BGP), army personnel, and immigration officials, amidst ongoing clashes with the Arakan Army. The BGB has responsibly disarmed the asylum-seeking Myanmar forces, ensuring their safety and security within Bangladesh’s borders. This series of actions by the BGB and its leadership reflects Bangladesh’s balanced approach to border security, combining strict enforcement with a compassionate response to regional instability and humanitarian needs. Police working with BGB to ensure security at Bangladesh-Myanmar border: IGP

So far, 264 Myanmar forces, including BGP and army personnel, have fled and taken shelter in Bangladesh amid clashes between the Myanmar military and the armed rebel group, Arakan Army, said Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, director general of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). “The border situation is now under control and we are trying to deal with the situation as humanely as possible while maintaining international relations,” the newly appointed BGB chief said while talking to reporters after paying tribute at the mausoleum of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Tuesday. Police working with BGB to ensure security at Bangladesh-Myanmar border: IGP Until Monday night, 115 Myanmar forces had taken shelter in Bangladesh and 114 security personnel arrived till Tuesday morning while 35 more entered in the afternoon, he said. So far, a total of 264 Myanmar security personnel have surrendered, he added. “We have given shelter and food to them. Among them 15 were injured. Eight of them were undergoing treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital and Chattogram Medical College and Hospital,” said the BGB DG. Tension at the border: What Dhaka told the Myanmar Ambassador Two people including a Bangladeshi woman were killed following an explosion of a mortar shell on Monday, he said, adding, “Such deaths can’t be acceptable.” Besides, 65 Rohingyas, who tried to enter the country by boats, were sent back, he said. “No more Rohingya will be allowed,” said the BGB chief.

Seven more members of Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) have fled to Bangladesh amid clashes between the Myanmar military and the armed rebel group, Arakan Army. With them, the number of BGP personnel who took shelter in Bangladesh so far stands at 113. Shariful Islam, public relations officer (PRO) of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said that 113 BGP members have so far entered Bangladesh through Tumbru border in Naikhangchhari upazila of Bandarban district with arms and ammunition, due to the ongoing clashes inside Myanmar. The BGB disarmed them and took them to a safe shelter, he said. The BGB PRO said members of the BGP started taking shelter in Bangladesh since Sunday (February 04, 2024) morning. Read more: 2 killed in 'shelling' in Bandarban's Ghumdhum The Arakan Army is the well-trained and well-armed military wing of the Rakhine ethnic minority movement, which seeks autonomy from Myanmar’s central government. It is a member of the armed ethnic group alliance that recently gained strategic territory in Myanmar’s northeast. Along with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army — operating together under the name of the Three Brotherhood Alliance — it launched a coordinated offensive on October 27, 2023 in northern Shan state along the border with China. That offensive has posed the greatest battlefield challenge to Myanmar’s military rulers since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The alliance says it has seized more than 250 military outposts, five official border crossings and a major city near the Chinese border, along with several important towns, according to an AP report. Rakhine is where a brutal army counterinsurgency operation in 2017 drove about 740,000 members of the Muslim Rohingya minority to seek safety across the border in Bangladesh. Rakhine is also known by its older name of Arakan. Read more: What Foreign Minister said on Myanmar’s BGP men taking shelter in Bangladesh

Myanmar has reached out to Bangladesh to take back members of Border Guard Police (BGP) who entered Bangladesh territory to save themselves amid conflicts there with the Arakan Army. "We are in constant communication. They want to take back their BGP members. The Myanmar government is communicating with Bangladesh as they (BGP members) want to go back. There is communication from both ends," Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Thirty-seven more members of Myanmar’s border police have taken shelter in Bangladesh border amid a conflict between the Myanmar military and the armed rebel group, the Arakan Army, in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. With this, the total number of BGP personnel who took shelter in Bangladesh stood at 95 till this morning (February 5, 2024), said Shariful Islam, public relations officer at Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Headquarters. Number of Myanmar border guards who fled to Bangladesh stands at 103: BGB The Foreign Minister said Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh and Myanmar Deputy Foreign Minister have communicated in this regard and Myanmar conveyed that they would take back the BGP members. “How they will be taken back – by air or by road – is now being discussed. You know that the members of Myanmar security forces also entered Indian territory earlier, but they were sent back by air. We will also send them back,” Hasan said. Responding to a question, the foreign minister said that the border is secure. ‘WE WELCOME BIDEN’S LETTER’ The foreign minister also said that Bangladesh has welcomed the letter written by US President Joe Biden and thinks that any question that was there has been cleared by this letter. “We welcome the letter written by President Biden. We already have very good relations with the US. Through this letter, our partnership will further advance,” Hasan told reporters. There is no more “discomfort” in the Bangladesh-US relations, Hasan said. US President Joe Biden has written to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh’s economic goal. He also expressed willingness to partner with Bangladesh on their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. "The United States is committed to supporting Bangladesh's ambitious economic goals and partnering with Bangladesh on our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," President Biden said in his letter. As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the US-Bangladesh partnership, the US President said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more. "We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship," the US President wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. TALKS WITH THAI, LIBYAN AMBASSADORS During the maiden courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh Makawadee Sumitmor congratulated the Bangladesh Foreign Minister on behalf of the Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. Reflecting on the excellent Bangladesh-Thai relations, they discussed issues to deepen ties, such as possible high level visits, trade and investment, possible free trade agreement (FTA) and existing tax regime, port connectivity, enhanced frequency of flights and energy cooperation. Ambassador of Libya to Bangladesh Abdulmutalib S Suliman also met Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh will stand beside Libya in its rebuilding efforts. They discussed working facilities for doctors, nurses, engineers and other skilled workforces. Read more: 37 more Nasaka personnel take shelter in Bangladesh; total number now 95