- Shootings & explosions decreased since Tuesday night
- 63 intruders since yesterday, 328 in BGB custody so far
- BGB DG inspects border, says border under control
As the conflict inside Myanmar eased from Tuesday midnight to yesterday afternoon, the sound of gunfire near the border decreased. A few sounds were heard sporadically, but the sound of explosions was largely stopped. Yet the infiltration of members of the country's border guards has not stopped. Another 63 more members of Myanmar's Bordar Guard Police (BGP) fled through the Ulubania border in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar yesterday.
Boarder Guard Bnagladesh (BGB) Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said another person entered in the evening. A total of 328 people from Myanmar are in the custody of BGB. The BGB official said the fleeing BGP members were taken into BGB custody with their arms. So far, a total of 328 people, including BGP, army and civilians, have taken shelter in Bangladesh. They were disarmed and taken into custody. However, 264 people who fled Myanmar, including BGP, army members, customs personnel and injured civilians, are in the custody of the BGB. Of the 264 people in BGB's custody, 222 army members, two CID, four local police, five special branches, nine from the immigration department and two civilians were in their custody.
Palangkhali Union Parishad Chairman Gafur Uddin Chowdhury said the conflict inside Myanmar could be said to be stopped from Tuesday midnight. Some isolated sounds were heard, but the sound of gunfire was no more. Meanwhile, BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddique also visited the border yesterday. After visiting the Ghumdhum border, he went towards the Ulubania border of Teknaf. After the inspection, the BGB DG said that the border areas of Ghumdhum and Tumbru in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban are not safe for the general public. He urged the residents of the area to go to safe shelters.
He also said it's not safe for our general public. Especially when the shooting starts, not at all! It is natural that leaving one's home and living elsewhere is not a pleasant thing at all. But to save lives, when such a situation arises, something has to be done. The DG said the BOPs adjoining Tumbru and Ghumdhum have the potential to have an impact of the conflict in the border areas. There's been some shooting. I am not talking about the evacuation of all the border areas right now. He added the firing was a little less than the last two days. Earlier, shells and mortar shells had landed inside us. Our concerned ministry has protested.
Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqi also said Myanmar has said that those who have taken shelter here (members of Myanmar's Border Security Force) are ready to take them. We asked them to take it as soon as possible. We are hopeful that it will be resolved soon. The BGB director general said the border situation is completely under the control of BGB. We are trying our best to deal with the situation by being patient, humanitarian and maintaining international relations following the directives of the Prime Minister. No matter what the situation is, no one will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally.The BGB is ready to make the highest sacrifice to face any situation arising on the border to protect the sovereignty of the motherland.
Earlier, during his visit to the border, the BGB DG directed all to perform their duties with utmost professionalism to protect the sovereignty of the motherland as well as to be always active in dealing with any situation arising along the border. At the same time, he thanked all the BGB members for performing their duties with great efficiency and professionalism. The BGB DG inquired about all the members of Myanmar's BGP, Myanmar Army, Immigration members, police and other agencies who crossed the border to save their lives due to the ongoing clashes in Rakhine State. BGB Director General, Cox's Bazar Region Commander, Ramu Sector Commander, Cox's Bazar Battalion Commander and other BGB officials were present on the occasion.
ARS
