Today, nearly 300 Myanmar junta personnel who sought refuge in Bangladesh amidst clashes in Rakhine State were repatriated on Thursday morning, according to Bangladeshi officials.

Reports indicate that the 288 individuals were transported back to Myanmar aboard a naval ship after being escorted from Cox’s Bazar on a tugboat earlier in the morning. Notably, soldiers among the repatriated personnel were prohibited from carrying any weapons or ammunition during the return journey.

Clad in traditional longyi and T-shirts, the repatriated individuals were observed carrying small bags as they boarded the heavily guarded tugboat for transfer to the awaiting Myanmar vessel, anchored at the maritime boundary between the two nations.

Confirming the successful repatriation, Cox’s Bazar District Police Superintendent Md Mahfuzul Islam stated that the process was executed without any complications.

Bangladeshi authorities had earlier disclosed that the repatriation would be facilitated by the Myanmar naval vessel UMS Chindwin. This group, which comprised soldiers, Border Guard Police (BGP) members, and immigration officials, had sought refuge in Bangladesh following clashes with the ethnic Arakan Army (AA).

Aung Kyaw Moe, Myanmar's ambassador to Bangladesh, was reportedly present in Cox’s Bazar to oversee the repatriation proceedings. Notably, Bangladesh lacks an extradition or mutual legal assistance treaty with Myanmar.

Authorities ensured the collection of comprehensive details on all repatriated individuals before their return. This move comes after a previous group of 330 Myanmar security forces personnel, including BGP officers and army personnel, were repatriated to Myanmar on February 15.

In a related development, the UMS Chindwin transported 173 Bangladeshi deportees, primarily released prisoners, to Cox’s Bazar a day before picking up the junta personnel for repatriation. Bangladeshi officials confirmed that travel documents were issued to facilitate the return of the deportees, with most set to be reunited with their families.

While the majority of the deportees had been detained in Myanmar for minor offenses, including illegal entry, authorities revealed that Myanmar had granted clemency to those yet to complete their sentences or facing trial.

The returnees' families were duly informed ahead of their arrival, emphasizing a coordinated effort between Bangladesh and Myanmar amidst these repatriation processes.

BOB Post