Handout                                                                                                      Number :  94

Media reports on Arakan Army and ARSA bases

Bangladesh expresses disappointment

Dhaka, 9 January :  

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a press release today with regard to some media reports based on remarks by the Spokesperson of Myanmar President’s Office on 7^th January 2019 alleging existence of two Arakan Army bases and three ARSA bases in Bangladesh. The full text is as follows:

Bangladesh is utterly disappointed and aggrieved to note some media reports based on remarks by the Spokesperson of Myanmar President's Office on 7^th  January 2019 alleging existence of two Arakan Army bases and three ARSA bases in Bangladesh.

The allegations are totally fake and baseless. It is not possible to operate terrorist bases anywhere in Bangladesh because of high alertness and effective preventive measure by the security forces in the line with ‘zero tolerance policy’ of the present Government of Bangladesh under the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is also firmly committed not to allow its soil to be used by any dissident group of any neighboring country. The Government has taken all possible measures, including comprehensive international engagements in counter-terrorism to fully implement the commitment. We affirm that there is no existence of any foreign terrorist groups within Bangladesh nor Bangladesh is harboring any terrorist organization within its soil. Security forces of Bangladesh alongside border always remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents that may affect the existing peaceful relation between two neighbors.

Bangladesh's comprehensive cooperation in counter-terrorism with some of the neighboring countries proved to be highly effective. The Government of Bangladesh had offered similar type of comprehensive bilateral cooperation mechanism to Myanmar on a number of occasions. Bangladesh, on several instances, proposed Myanmar to conduct joint operation in addressing claimed terrorist activities along the border area. But unfortunately, not much enthusiasm received from Myanmar side. Even Myanmar failed to provide Bangladesh with specific details and concrete evidence on the alleged terrorist elements and acts.

Bangladesh strongly protests such baseless and provocative accusations. The current clashes are the outcome of Myanmar own political and social dilemma. As such it will be highly appreciated by the Government of Bangladesh if Myanmar Government does not make any endeavor to associate Bangladesh with her internal political puzzle.

Bangladesh is acclaimed by international community for its unflinching commitment and bold actions in the combat of terrorism at national, regional and global level. Bangladesh always stands ready to engage in comprehensive cooperation mechanism with any country including Myanmar in the combat of terrorism.

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Marzuk/Mahmud/Parvez/Salimuzzaman/2019/1735 hours