DHAKA: The Ambassador of Myanmar to Bangladesh Myo Myint Than was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the second time on Saturday morning handed over a note verbal strongly protesting the unprovoked eruption of gunfire from the Myanmar border force in the afternoon on 30 May 2014 along the Bangladesh-Myanmar international border.

While meeting with Secretary (Bilateral) Bangladesh side asked the diplomat to stop the firing by Myanmar border forces and take immediate measures for identification of the dead body from the Myanmar side that could be of Naik M Mizanur Rahman who remains missing.

Bangladesh side also demanded a thorough investigation into the unprovoked recurrence of gunfire on 30 May 2014 at about 1515 hours and for abstaining from the same in future. 

The Myanmar Ambassador assured that the matter would be duly conveyed to the concerned authorities in Myanmar immediately.

In this context the Myanmar Ambassador was told that a BGB team was waiting near border pillar no-52 for identification of the dead body which was proposed by the Myanmar side. \

However, to the complete surprise of the BGB, Myanmar border forces suddenly started firing on the waiting BGB team without any provocation. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to closely monitor the situation.

While referring to the reported deployment of Myanmar military forces alongside the Bangladesh-Myanmar international border, which is a violation of the Boundary Agreement of 1980, Bangladesh side urged upon Myanmar for immediate and complete withdrawal of the Myanmar military, if deployed.

It may be added that Bangladesh Embassy in Myanmar has also lodged a strong protest with the Myanmar Foreign Ministry yesterday demanding an immediate investigation into the matter and requested the Myanmar Government not to allow any action that may affect the friendly bilateral relations that exist between the two neighboring countries.

The Myanmar Ambassador was also told that despite the recent border incidences Bangladesh government in the spirit of good neighborly relations has strongly encouraged the visit of the DG, BGB and his delegation to Myanmar from 9-14 June 2014, which would be a good opportunity to discuss all related issues at length in order to ensure peace and stability in the bordering areas between the two friendly countries. 

The Myanmar Ambassador was further reminded that Bangladesh was looking forward to the forthcoming Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka scheduled for 18 June 2014.

The Myanmar Ambassador was told that a BGB team was waiting near border pillar no-52 for identification of the dead body which was proposed by the Myanmar side. 

However, to the complete surprise of the BGB, Myanmar border forces suddenly started firing on the waiting BGB team without any provocation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to closely monitor the situation.

BDST: 1555 HRS, MAY 31, 2014