Demonstrating its commitment to regional stability and rule of law, Bangladesh successfully repatriated 40 Myanmar nationals, including 34 military and Border Guard Police (BGP) personnel, through a special flight from Cox’s Bazar Airport today.

The group had entered Bangladesh between December 17, 2024, and January 11, 2025, fleeing intense conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Among those repatriated were six individuals who had served jail terms in Bangladesh for serious crimes including murder and drug trafficking, after illegally crossing the border.

The repatriation was executed under tight security arrangements. At 11:15am, the 34 military and BGP personnel were escorted to the airport by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police. The six prisoners followed shortly after, arriving in a prison van from Cox’s Bazar District Jail around 11:45am.

The Myanmar government dispatched a special aircraft that departed from Cox’s Bazar Airport at 2:45pm. Despite the airport’s lack of international passenger handling facilities, authorities ensured a smooth process under a special protocol. Officials from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present to complete immigration and verification procedures before handing over the individuals.

“This operation required special coordination,” said Md Golam Mortaza Hossain, director of Cox’s Bazar Airport. “The Foreign Ministry and other agencies played a vital role in ensuring the successful return of these individuals.”

Brigadier General M M Imrul Hassan, commander of BGB's Cox’s Bazar region, confirmed that of the 34 personnel, 21 were BGP members and 13 were soldiers who had been held in BGB custody since their arrival.

This marks the fifth official repatriation effort since violence flared in Myanmar. In total, 916 Myanmar nationals have now been returned through coordinated efforts between the two governments. Previous repatriations occurred on 15 February, 25 April, 9 June, and 29 September 2024, returning 876 individuals altogether.

Notably, Bangladesh has also succeeded in bringing home 214 of its citizens from Myanmar, all of whom had served prison terms, showcasing balanced and firm diplomatic engagement. With continued unrest across the border, Bangladesh remains vigilant while upholding humanitarian and legal obligations, reinforcing its role as a responsible regional actor.

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