173 Bangladeshis Return Home from Myanmar Prisons

A Bangladesh Navy vessel carrying 173 Bangladeshi nationals who had served various terms in Myanmar prisons arrived at Nuniarchara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar city around 1:30 pm on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, a Myanmar delegation arrived in Cox’s Bazar, proceeding to Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban where 285 members of the Myanmar Army and Border Guard Police (BGP) awaited their return. Scheduled to return to Myanmar on Thursday after accepting the members, the delegation’s visit marks a significant step in the repatriation process. Jatiya Sangsad Whip and Cox’s Bazar 3 Constituency Member of Parliament, Saimum Sarwar Kamal, emphasized the government’s efforts in facilitating the return of those who completed their prison terms in Myanmar. Among the returnees, 129 are from Cox’s Bazar district, while others hail from Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Rajbari, Narshingdi, and Nilphamari districts. Relatives eagerly await the returnees at the ghat, where Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police Md Mahafuzul Islam mentioned that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) would accept and hand them over to the police for verification and subsequent reunion with their families. The repatriation process, facilitated through diplomatic channels, signifies a positive stride in bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar, ensuring the safe return of individuals who sought refuge in either country. Further updates on the repatriation process and acceptance of the returnees will be provided through a press briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, with access to media personnel subject to restrictions during this period.