Cox’s Bazar, Nov 23 (V7N) – Amid escalating tensions along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border, five members of Myanmar’s security forces, including soldiers and Border Guard Police (BGP) personnel, sought refuge in Bangladesh on Sunday. They arrived around 12:00 p.m. at Gachhbunia Para in Ghummdhum Union of Naikhongchhari Upazila, according to local residents.
Officials from the 34th Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion confirmed that the group entered Bangladesh near Border Pillar 42 due to ongoing clashes and security instability inside Myanmar. The incident was reported to the BGB through local residents, prompting the Mongjoypara BOP to dispatch a patrol team that intercepted and escorted the five individuals to the BOP for processing.
BGB sources identified the group as four BGP personnel and one Myanmar army soldier: Ko Ko Sein (35), a second police inspector from Momeik, Shan State; Constables So Thu Ra (38), Aung San Htu (25), and Kyaw Zayar Lin (32) from Balibazar BGP Camp; and Myanmar army member Min Min Oo (41).
Preliminary questioning revealed that intensifying armed conflicts and security threats in several areas of Myanmar forced them to cross the border into Bangladesh for safety.
A BGB official stated that, following international protocols, verification, questioning, and information collection are ongoing. Further action will be taken after receiving instructions from higher authorities. In recent months, cross-border incidents including gunfire, explosions, and armed group clashes have increased, affecting local security in Bangladesh.
Local sources reported that security measures and patrols have been intensified in and around Gachhbunia Para. Lieutenant Colonel Khairul Alam, commanding officer of the 34th BGB Battalion, confirmed the incident, while Naikhongchhari Police Officer-in-Charge Masrul Haque also verified the details. A formal briefing is expected to provide further information.
END/SIC/SMA/
Comment: