Myanmar is reportedly building new checkpoints along its border with Bangladesh in volatile Rakhine state.
The home ministry of the country said the Myanmar government was resuming the construction of a fence along the border, reported the Voice of America.
Border Guard Bangladesh officials said they were still unaware that Myanmar was setting up the checkpoints.
“Myanmar can set up checkpoints outside of 5km from zero line and it is their internal matter,” BGB Director General Maj Gen Aziz Ahmed told the Dhaka Tribune over phone yesterday. “We take the matter into our consideration when it is within five kilometres,” he added.
Commanding Officer of 31 battalion of Naikhangchari Lt Col Md Shafiqur Rahman said Myanmar had constructed fence as part of their security measure.
“We also gave proposal to construct fence inside our territory. If the fence was constructed the Rohingyas would not be able enter into Bangladesh,” the commander said. Khin Saw Wai, a member of Myanmar parliament from Rakhine state who pushed for the new security measures, told the Voice of America’s Burmese service that people from Bangladesh were entering into Myanmar because there was not enough security along the border.
He said: “Although we have a fence at Myanmar’s western door between Bangladesh and our Maung Daw region [Rakhine State], this cannot stop illegal entry into the country. We have seen illegal entering and no effective system to stop it. That is why we want the government to control this situation.
“I submitted the proposal to increase security for the Rakhine region. Now I read in the news that there will be 15 more security gates at the border, but I do not know where exactly they will be built. Nonetheless, as a person who proposed this at the parliament, I hope this will be a more effective way of controlling the border situation.”
Spokesperson of the Myanmar government Ye Htut confirmed that new security measures were being planned.
He said: “I only know that there have been some preparations for security in Rakhine state. Since this measure is being undertaken by the Rakhine government, it is best to ask the information department of the local government.”
Buddhist-Muslim violence erupted in Rakhine state in 2012 and has since spread to other parts of the country. The sectarian fighting has killed at least 240 people and displaced 140,000 others, mainly Rohingya Muslims, who are called Bengalee by the Myanmar government.
Myanmar government refuses to officially recognise the Rohingya, saying members of any officially recognised minority must be able to prove their ancestors lived in Myanmar before the British invaded Rakhine in 1823.
Talks between Myanmar President Thein Sein and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of a regional meeting last month produced no tangible agreement on the Rohingya issue.
