Bangladesh urges Myanmar to resolve border issue

Bangladesh has called on Myanmar to address the ongoing border and Rakhine issues, stressing that it cannot engage in negotiations with non-state actors, such as the Arakan Army, over control of the border. 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.  "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 today told reporters, sharing details of his discussions at the informal consultation. 

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.

Hossain mentioned that the meeting focused on three main issues: the border, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and Myanmar’s political future.  During the meeting, Hossain emphasized that peace and stability in the region would remain elusive without a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. 

"Criminals are present on both sides of the border and in the camps, and I highlighted these concerns," he added. On Myanmar's political future, Hossain noted that all participants expressed support for Myanmar’s efforts to resolve its internal issues and move forward. 

“Everyone said they would support Myanmar, and if they choose a federal structure, we will not intervene. But we want a resolution," Hossain said. Regarding border issues, the adviser explained that the discussions mainly focused on the northeastern and southern borders, with particular attention given to the western border, where Bangladesh has strategic interests.

Concerns were also raised about the rise of scam centers engaged    in internet crimes, which have been troubling Myanmar, along with ongoing issues such as drug trafficking and border-related criminal activities. Representatives from other countries urged Myanmar to take appropriate measures to address these concerns.