The inter-ministerial meeting was attended by senior officials from the external affairs and home ministries as well as representatives of various government intelligence agencies. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Myanmar Monwar Hossain participated in the meeting remotely.
According to several officials present, Bangladesh proposed the return of Myanmar nationals who had taken refuge in Bandarban by air instead of the Naf River route. However, Myanmar expressed reluctance to accept the repatriation of its citizens by air. Instead, Myanmar in this situation prefers to repatriate its people by sea.
When asked about the repatriation process through the Bay of Bengal, a senior official informed Prothom Alo that Myanmar Navy ships would enter Bangladesh waters to bring back its citizens. However, the necessary procedures must already be completed in accordance with international regulations. It is expected that Myanmar will soon bring back its citizens.