KALADAN NEWS

Dated: April 28, 2005

Burma-Bangladesh Prisoners Exchange Resume

Cox’s Bazar, April 28: Burma-Bangladesh prisoners exchange resumed, following a flag meeting between sector level commanders of the security forces of both neighbors, yesterday, said a local member from Teknaf who took part in the meeting.

Nasaka and Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), border security forces of Burma and Bangladesh held a flag meeting with very cordial atmosphere at Netaung Hotel of Teknaf, a bordering town of Bangladesh, while both sides discussed bilateral issue, including trespassing the border and cross-border smuggling, he further said.

U Thu Yaing, Deputy Director of Border Immigration Force from Maungdaw Township led the 9-member delegates from Burmese side, while the 12-member was led by Lt. Col. Taher Mohammad Ibrahim, the Commanding Officer of BDR Battalion No. 23.

After successful completion of the flag meeting, both officials exchanged 192 prisoners. Of them, 20 Bangladeshi citizens who were handed over by the Immigration officials of Nasaka to the BDR officials, while the BDR officials handed over 172 Burmese nationals, that includes one female and two children, to the Nasaka officials respectively.

These 172 Burmese prisoners are from Cox's Bazar jail. They were transferred from different jails of Bangladesh, awaiting repatriation to Burma. Though the both governments were going to exchange about 200 prisoners on March 12, 2005, but it was postponed.

The decision to exchange the prisoners was a sign of the warm relationship between the two countries following the visit of Burma’s Foreign Minister, Nyan Win, to Bangladesh on February 24, 2005.

Although Burmese authorities decided to release 75 Bangladeshi nationals from Burma’s jails on March 12, following a diplomatic negotiation between the two neighboring countries. But, they handed over only 20 prisoners that included fishermen and wood cutters, who had been detained by Nasaka while fishing in the Bay, Naf River and collecting wood from the forests in Naikhong Chari bordering areas. They are from Cox’s Bazar, Bhola, Noakhali and Sylhet districts.

According to Bangladeshi officials, most of the Burmese prisoners were arrested by BDR and Police when they entered Bangladesh illegally through various points. Later, they were jailed on different terms by courts.

Officials also said that there are about 450 Burmese citizens are languishing now in different jails of Bangladesh and some of them are either undergoing punishments given by the courts or awaiting freedom after completion of their punishments. This issue also came up for discussion at the flag meeting.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Ibrahim said, “The situation along the Burma-Bangladesh border is quite peaceful and friendly and the Nasaka’s response is quick and cordial in solving various problems related to the border situation and the issue of remaining citizens in Burma’s jails was discussed with Nasaka to bring them back as soon as possible.”

At the meeting, the Upazila Nibahi Officer (Officer in-charge of Sub-district) of Teknaf Mr. Mohammad Mohsin Chowdhury, Deputy Jailer of Cox’s Bazar Jail Mr. Golam Rabbani and other concerned officials were also present. # #

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