The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back three Bangladeshi youths who were allegedly held captive by Myanmar’s Arakan Army along the border.
The three were handed over to BGB today (6 March) through the Friendship Bridge at the Ghumdhum border in Bandarban.
The returnees are Md Bappi, 28, Osman Gani Rabbi, 18, and Md Joni Mia, 22.
Confirming the matter, SM Khairul Alam, commanding officer of BGB 34 Battalion in Cox’s Bazar, said, “One of the youths was detained by the Arakan Army from the Tumbru border area on 14 February. The other two were captured on 28 February while fishing in the Balukhali river area near the border in Ukhiya.”
He further said BGB authorities established communication with the Arakan Army after receiving information from the families of the detained youths. “Through continuous efforts and coordination, the three were finally returned this afternoon.”
After their return, the youths were handed over to their families following communication with their relatives, the officer added.
Khairul Alam said BGB continues to carry out its responsibilities along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border in the south, working to ensure border security and curb smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal infiltration and other cross-border crimes.
