Myanmar Refugees Handed Over

Bangladesh has handed over 134 members of Myanmar’s Border Guard Police (BGP) and army who had sought refuge in Bangladesh. The exchange took place on June 9th at the BIWTA jetty in Cox’s Bazar. These individuals had fled due to conflict in Myanmar.

Bangladeshi Citizens Return Home

In return, Myanmar repatriated 45 Bangladeshi citizens who had completed prison terms in Myanmar. These individuals were transported from a Myanmar navy ship to a Bangladeshi navy boat and then brought to the BIWTA jetty.

Security and Procedures

The transfer occurred under tight security, involving senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB, district administration, police administration, health department, and Coast Guard, along with members of the Myanmar embassy in Bangladesh.

Verification Process

The police have begun the process of verifying the identities of the 45 returnees. Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police Md. Mahafuzul Islam stated that checks are being conducted to ensure none of the returnees are criminals or have pending cases. Those cleared will be handed over to their families.

Previous Transfers

This is part of an ongoing process of repatriation. Earlier this year, on April 25 and February 15, Bangladesh repatriated 618 individuals in two phases. On April 25, 173 Bangladeshi prisoners were brought back from Myanmar.