The border security forces of Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to work together to eradicate transborder drug trade.
During a regional commander-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP), the two forces also had a significant discussion on border security and smuggling, Brig Gen Ainul Morshed Khan Pathan, regional commander of BGB’s Cox’s Bazar camp, said at a press briefing in Cox’s Bazar on Monday.
Brig Gen Ainul led an 11-member BGB delegation in the meeting, which took place at Maungdaw township in Rakhine, Myanmar earlier yesterday. From Myanmar’s side, an 18-member delegation of the BGP, led by BGP’s Maungdaw Regional Commander Brig Gen Myint Toe, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Myanmar assured Bangladesh of shutting down 37 yaba factories located in Myanmar. Myanmar was also asked by Bangladesh to notify before the release of the Bangladeshi fishermen currently serving time in jail in Myanmar jail.
The BGB and BGP delegates discussed joint patrol to prevent drug trade and smuggling and for stricter border security, as well as the removal of landmines installed by Myanmar in the border area, Brig Gen Ainul told reporters.
Myanmar also agreed to discuss any and all border-related issues with Bangladesh in order to resolve them, the BGB official added.