“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes note of coordinated attacks on Border Guard Police posts in Rakhine State on 9 October 2016 and clashes that followed.

Bangladesh finds these developments in Rakhine State, bordering Bangladeshdisturbing and Bangladesh unequivocally condemns the attacks on Myanmar forces. We are concerned at the loss of innocent lives in these clashes. We underscore the need for arresting perpetrators and for due judicial process to bring them to justice.

Bangladesh as a responsible neighbour on its own had sealed the borders with Myanmar in the early hours of 1Oth October to deny perpetrators easy escape. Bangladesh apprehended two Muslims from Rakhine State and handed them over to the authorities of Myanmar within a day. Bangladesh authorities are in constant touch with their Myanmar counterparts and providing help as requested.

Bangladesh follows a 'zero tolerance' policy towards violent extremism and terrorism of any form and manifestation. Bangladesh conducted a number of operationsagainst Arakan Army and other ethnic armed groups originating from Myanmar in the recent times to help Myanmar. Bangladesh returned two Tatmadaw membersrescued from Arakan Army captivity last year.

Bangladesh will continue to, assist Myanmar in this time of need. Bangladesh believes that cooperation in these areas could be best realised under legal framework which Bangladesh has been stressing over two years. Such institutionalised cooperation is needed to comprehensively address all aspects of insecurity, from drug to human trafficking to gunrunning to civil commotion and internal disturbances to insurgency.”