With Myanmar grappling once again with protracted unrest, particularly in Rakhine State, the implications for Bangladesh loom large, demanding a heightened sense of vigilance and fortified security measures.
The situation in Myanmar has posed a direct threat to the security landscape of the region for some time now, and it is about time the region collectively took some action.
The spillover effect on Bangladesh cannot be underestimated, especially given the proximity of the Rakhine State to our southeastern border, with the Rohingya refugee crisis that has been a direct consequence of the Myanmar army’s actions against its own people previously.
Most worryingly, the unrest in Myanmar has the potential to create a breeding ground for criminal activities and insurgencies that could reach our borders and the Rohingya refugee camps.
While addressing the immediate security concerns, Bangladesh must continue to play an active role in advocating for holding the Myanmar army accountable for its actions past and present. This is where the international community must wake up and not ignore the facts anymore - the Myanmar armed forces must be held responsible.
These latest events should serve as a stark reminder for Bangladesh to err on the side of caution, fortify its security apparatus, and exercise unwavering vigilance.
In addition, they provide even more evidence for an unfortunately silent international community of the misdeeds of the Myanmar army, and for them to face repercussions for them. These latest events could serve as a turning point, and for Bangladesh, now is the time to not just protect its own interests, but also play an active role in contributing to regional peace and security.
