MYANMAR – In explaining the reason for reduced cooperation with the neighbouring Myanmar military regarding border security, Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed said that there were few cooperation with the Myanmar military in responding to armed separationist forces based at the border due to the international sanctions imposed on the coup military council of Myanmar.
During a seminar hosted by Bangladesh’s International and Strategic Studies Department, he explained that Bangladesh is constrained by the fact that the senior officers of the Myanmar military are sanctioned by the international community.
He shared that they have made contact and discussed with the Myanmar military leaders regarding possible cooperation but ran into trouble when international sanctions were added to the equation.
In addition, Ahmed stated that it is important for Bangladesh to maintain a balance diplomatic relationship with neighbouring countries including Myanmar and should not favour one while oppressing another.
Bangladesh is currently handling the issues of Myanmar junta forces crossing the border and fleeing into Bangladesh from the battles breaking out in Rakhine State of western Myanmar.
At the same time, there have been reports of some Bangladesh citizens becoming victim to the heavy artillery explosions, stray bullets, landmines and other military weapons related to the conflicts in Myanmar.