Bangladesh tightens border security following mortal shells from Myanmar

Bangladesh has stepped up security along the border with Myanmar following repeated mortar shells fired from the neighbouring country, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said on Tuesday.

“Myanmar government is at war with the Arakan Army and that’s why a few mortar shells landed on the Bangladeshi side from Myanmar recently,” the minister said in reply to questions from reporters.

He said the foreign ministry has protested the incident along the border of Bangladesh.

“We have strengthened the patrolling by Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) forces along the Myanmar border and it is expected that the firing into the border areas will end soon,” he said.

He talked to reporters after inaugurating the Rajshahi Police Liberation War Memorial Museum at Rajshahi Police Lines.

In earlier remarks on September 10, Asaduzzaman said that the government has asked Myanmar to refrain from firing shots towards the Bangladesh border.

He made those remarks at a seminar organized by Bangladesh Mahila Oikya Parishad at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of National Museum.

Replying to a question over the recent attack on journalists at Rajshahi Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) office, the minister said “Those who were involved in the incident will be brought to book. No one will be spared in this connection and all will face the music after investigation.”

Commemorating the contribution of police during the 1971 Liberation War in Rajshahi region, the minister said the museum will help the new generation know about their heroism and patriotism. “Bangladesh will never forget their contributions,” he said.

Later, Asaduzzaman also unveiled a book titled ‘Muktijuddhe Rajshahi Police’ and joined an anti-narcotic and anti-terrorism discussion.

He praised the role of police in combating militancy and terrorism risking their own lives.

About the drugs he said these are coming from the neighbouring countries. He also sought help from all to eradicate drugs and protect the new generation. The government and law enforcement agencies can’t alone stop the onslaught of drugs on the young people, he added.