14 Myanmar nationals surrender in Bandarban

A total of 14 Myanmar nationals have surrendered to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after entering the country illegally through the Alikadam border in Bandarban.

The men, of varying ages, voluntarily surrendered at the Killaipara checkpoint on Aug 18, Lt Col Abdullah Al Mehedi, commanding officer of the 57 BGB Battalion, said in a statement on Tuesday.

They were then taken into BGB custody and handed over to Alikadam Police Station.

The group was first taken to the Alikadam Battalion headquarters for initial questioning.

As per the BGB, they are members of Myanmar’s law-enforcement agencies who entered Bangladesh unarmed and in civilian clothes.

Legal action is being taken over alleged violations of laws on illegal entry, foreigners, government directives and border control, the border force said.

Alikadam Police chief Md Alamgir Hossain Shah said the 14 Myanmar nationals were handed over on Wednesday and would be produced before a court on Thursday.

Asked whether they were members of Myanmar’s law-enforcement agencies, he said: “They are ordinary citizens.”

Attempts to reach Lt Col Mehedi for comment were unsuccessful.�"bdnews24