Don't step into Myanmar's trap

We cannot predict how long the internal armed conflict in Myanmar will continue. Nevertheless, we must not permit anyone to breach our borders. We are steadfastly opposed to involvement in any war; we abhor war. Moreover, mortar fire from the Myanmar army has violated Bangladesh's territorial integrity, threatening our sovereignty. Myanmar's behaviour towards Bangladesh in recent years indicates its readiness for a major conflict in the future. It has extensively prepared and bolstered its military forces, with Russia and China being their primary weapon suppliers.
In recent years, Myanmar's military forces have escalated tensions, incited unrest, and violated Bangladeshi airspace. Security analysts observe repeated violations of Bangladesh's airspace by Myanmar helicopters, border patrols, mine deployments, and drone activity as provocative actions aimed at drawing Bangladesh into conflict. Conversely, Bangladesh has consistently displayed restraint, managing the situation with patience and adhering to a policy of dialogue-based conflict resolution, in line with our foreign policy principle of 'friendship to all, malice towards none.'
Bangladesh must carefully consider its response to this situation, which is both distressing and challenging. Refusal to engage in war will require addressing the issue with Myanmar. Therefore, Bangladesh should intensify diplomatic efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and seek resolution to the ongoing crisis through compromise rather than falling into the trap of an armed conflict.

Ashikujaman Syed,
Research Assistant,
Bioinformatics Research Lab,
Center for Research Innovation and Development (CRID).
E-Mail: [email protected]