With a mission to enhance the military ties between the two countries and facilitate the repatriation of Rohingyas, the Army Chief of Bangladesh General Aziz Ahmed made a 4-day visit to Myanmar on December 8-11. The Army Chief’s visit took place in a very crucial moment when the Rohingya genocide hearing was going on at the top UN court.
Returning home, the Army chief said his visit to Myanmar had nothing to do with the Rohingya genocide hearing at the top UN court.
General Aziz Ahmed’s remarks came on December 12, in Dhaka at an event to induct training aircraft for the army’s aviation wing, according to a statement by the ISPR.
Describing the visit as a routine work, the army chief said that Bangladesh has told Myanmar that it will not allow insurgents to its soil against neighboring countries.
“We have assured them (Myanmar) of taking actions against any insurgent group in line with our national policy,” said General Aziz.
During his visit, General Aziz met Myanmar’s Vice-Senior General Soe Win, the deputy chief of Myanmar armed forces and its army chief.
According to Myanmar media, the Bangladesh army chief was told at the meeting that the country was ready for the repatriation of Rohingyas.
“The Bangladeshi side has explained their efforts towards repatriation. We also explained the preparations the Myanmar government has made,” The Irrawaddy quoted military spokesperson Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun in a report on December 10.
Citing military officials, the Myanmar online newspaper said the two military leaders discussed border security, how to promote friendship between the armed forces of the two countries, and repatriation of refugees who were forced from their homes from northern Rakhine and fled into Bangladesh.
During the visit, General Aziz visited a number of military/civilian establishments, including the National Defense College, Command and Staff College and Military museums.
Prior to going on the visit to Myanmar General Aziz had a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.
The Army chief briefly talked to media after the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying they will discuss ways to enhance military-to-military cooperation and engagement in addition to issues relating to improving the existing ties between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Dr Momen noted the Army chief’s visit to Myanmar would be good for Bangladesh and “open another line of negotiation” between the two countries over Rohingya repatriation.
“We want to resolve Rohingya crisis through discussions. I think the visit will go in favor of us. It’ll be good for us,” added the Foreign Minister.
Dr Momen said Myanmar is not Bangladesh’s enemy but a friend, and their army in Myanmar plays a very significant role.