Bangladesh has urged Myanmar to resolve the ongoing border and Rakhine issues, saying that it cannot negotiate with non-state entities like the Arakan Army regarding border control.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain conveyed this message to Myanmar during an informal consultation held on Thursday in Thailand.
Senior representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and other nations attended the consultation.
he also said: "I informed Myanmar that the border is no longer under your control. It is now controlled by non-state actors like the Arakan Army. As a state, we cannot engage with them. Myanmar must find a way to resolve the issues related to the border and Rakhine."
Hossain made the remarks while sharing details of his discussions at the informal consultation with reporters.
He said, in reply, Myanmar informed him that they are trying to take over control of the border to resolve the issue.
Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s policy of not allowing any further Rohingya refugees to enter the country.
However, he acknowledged that, under certain circumstances, Bangladesh had been compelled to accept 60,000 Rohingyas through various unofficial routes.
He also highlighted widespread corruption at the border, which facilitates the entry of Rohingyas.
"They are not entering through a single route; they are coming through multiple routes, making it very difficult to stop," Hossain said.
Responding to a question about a potential new influx of Rohingyas, Hossain dismissed these fears.
"I do not believe another influx will occur, although many are concerned. We too share these concerns, but we must take measures to prevent it, working with the international community," he said.
The meeting in Thailand on Thursday was chaired by Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsar, and included Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe, Laos's Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.
Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
BDST: 1725 HRS, DEC 21, 2024
SMS
