Dhaka is going to flag its concern about the deployment of Myanmar army along the border.

The issue will be discussed when Border Guard Bangladesh chief Shafinul Islam will fly to Naypyitaw next week for talks with Myanmar’s Border Guard Police chief.

Prevention of trans-border crime including yaba smuggling, firing in the border, illegal border crossing, trust building, and other issues will be discussed in the meeting, said sources.

Deployment of Myanmar army

Myanmar has deployed army along the border and it causes uneasiness in Bangladesh side.

An official said, “It is alarming and violation of international laws.”

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed land border agreement in 1980 where it is clearly stipulated that no country will deploy army near the border area, he said.

Transnational crime

Smuggling of yaba and other narcotics from Myanmar is a great concern for Bangladesh and the issue was discussed in all border-related meeting.

Yaba mostly comes from Myanmar and it is destroying lives of numerous youth, said an official.

“We strengthen border patrolling and other measures to stop the smuggling of all contraband,” he added.

Dhaka will also urge the Myanmar authorities to facilitate repatriation of verified Bangladeshis who completed their jail terms there, the official said.

Countering terrorism, cross-border intrusion and other issues will be also discussed in the meeting, he said.

When asked if Rohingya issue will be discussed, another officer said, “This is not the right platform but if there is any opportunity we will raise it.”