Bangladeshi security forces have reached an agreement with Burmese military junta troops to cooperate and prevent attacks in the border area following recent clashes by the Arakan Rohinya Salvation Army (AA) in Rajine state.
«We are committed to help each other in any need. We have also decided to work together to keep the border communities peaceful,» said Border Guard Bangladesh Colonel Jalid Muhamad Iftejar.
He said there is a need to increase «mutual trust» between the two sides of two countries that have a «friendly» relationship. His words come after numerous protests over the presence of helicopters, mines and ammunition on the other side of the Burmese border.
Iftejar, who led an eight-member delegation, met with Burmese authorities, whom he assured that Bangladesh «never allows its territory to be used for illegal activities».
The Burmese junta continues to fight rebels in the northern state of Rajine. The Burmese delegation, headed by Colonel Ye Yai Soe, has indicated that it will be able to «solve the problems» in Rajine, according to The Irrawaddy.
Last September 16, a Rohingya teenager was killed and five people were injured in an explosion at a border camp. Last week, junta special operations commander Phone Myat visited Bangladesh in a bid to improve bilateral relations and increase security in the region.
