In a significant policy address, Bangladesh's newly appointed army chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, underscored the importance of "defence diplomacy" in addressing the ongoing border tensions with Myanmar. He firmly stated that the likelihood of a military conflict between the two nations is minimal.

"Effective communication between military forces makes the sudden outbreak of war highly unlikely," General Zaman remarked during a press briefing at the army headquarters in Dhaka. "However, we do not wish to see any provocations. Our primary issue with Myanmar is the Rohingya crisis, and we urge them to repatriate the Rohingya. Beyond this, there is no animosity or significant issue between our countries."

Zaman emphasized that both militaries are maintaining regular contact and are dedicated to resolving the Rohingya issue through peaceful means.

His comments, however, sparked controversy on social media. Shafiur Rahman, a UK-based journalist and documentary filmmaker with a substantial following on social media, criticized the new army chief for proposing dialogue with the Myanmar military, which has been accused of committing genocide against the Rohingya people. Rahman highlighted the brutal crackdown by Myanmar's military that led to the deaths of over 25,000 Rohingya and forced more than a million to flee to Bangladesh.

The army chief's statements came shortly after Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan issued a stern warning to Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army (AA) to cease cross-border firing. "We will respond to their firing. If we are attacked, we will respond," Khan was quoted by the state-owned news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on June 20.

Outgoing Bangladesh Army chief General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed had also noted that retaliation was a possibility, with the country’s three armed services prepared for action. In response to the ongoing tensions, Bangladesh's Border Guard and Coast Guard have intensified patrols along the land and maritime borders with Myanmar. Additionally, the Bangladesh navy has deployed warships around St Martin’s Island to protect Bangladeshi shipping from the conflict between the Myanmar junta and the AA in Rakhine State.

Bangladeshi authorities have reiterated that they will not permit any new influx of Rohingya refugees but will offer humanitarian assistance to those injured arriving from Rakhine State.

BOB Post