Hasan: Myanmar's security personnel will be sent back soon

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said members of Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) and army who had fled to Bangladesh will be sent back to Myanmar soon.

"That's our priority (to sent back BGP). Both (Bangladesh and Myanmar) sides reached a consensus that they will be sent back soon," he told reporters at the foreign ministry.

The foreign minister said Myanmar want to take their security personnel back and they are working it.

"I don't want to share any specific date. That's confidential as security issues are involved," he said.

Replying to a question, the foreign minister said they kept the media informed from time to time about arrival of the Myanmar security personnel. "There is no scope for any hide and seek."

He said Dhaka never wants to see Bangladesh's security being compromised due to Myanmar's internal conflict.

The foreign minister said the Myanmar ambassador in Dhaka was summoned and a strong protest was lodged.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh is hosting over 1.2 million Rohingyas and for their growing presence Bangladesh is facing multiple problems on security, climate and illegal drugs fronts.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Consulate in Sittwe, Myanmar is being shifted to Yangon on a temporary basis due to the current security situation.

Responding to a question on BNP, Hasan Mahmud said it takes time to restart an old car. "BNP is like an old car. It stops after moving slightly."

No arson attacks by BNP will be allowed, warned Hasan who is also joint general secretary of the ruling Awami League.

He hoped that BNP will behave in a democratic way and will follow the path of democracy.

Source: BSS