Bangladesh’s emergency rescue, relief, and medical assistance to Myanmar following the recent earthquake will play a crucial role in enhancing trust and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, according to Col Md Shafiqul Islam, the Colonel Staff of the Directorate of Military Operations at the Bangladesh Army Headquarters.
In a press briefing held at Dhaka Cantonment’s Officers' Mess, Col Islam discussed the Bangladesh Army’s involvement in maintaining law and order, as well as the country’s humanitarian efforts in Myanmar. On March 28, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, causing widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. Bangladesh quickly stepped in to provide aid, with the Bangladesh Army leading the mission under the Armed Forces Division’s supervision.
A rescue team consisting of 21 members from the Engineer Corps and a 10-member medical team was dispatched, along with personnel from the Navy, Air Force, Fire Service, and Civil Defense. The teams were deployed using Army and Air Force aircraft, and naval ships. The relief efforts were completed successfully, with the team returning to Bangladesh on April 15. The Myanmar government and its people have widely appreciated Bangladesh's timely assistance, which has been heavily covered by the local media.
Col Shafiqul Islam emphasized that such humanitarian initiatives are pivotal in building trust and fostering stronger diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In addition, the Army official spoke about the Bangladesh Army’s role in ensuring security during several major events, including the UN Secretary-General’s visit to the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, where the Army provided security and logistical support. He also highlighted the Army’s efforts in maintaining law and order across the country, particularly around the Eid-ul-Fitr period and Pahela Boishakh celebrations, where the Army took special measures to ensure public safety.
The Army’s involvement in maintaining peace during industrial unrest, providing security to foreign diplomats, and controlling fire incidents in various locations across the country was also noted. Furthermore, Col Islam mentioned that the Army has been actively engaged in supporting the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and providing security at the FDMN camp in Cox's Bazar.
Overall, the Bangladesh Army continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the well-being of its people through coordinated efforts with other law enforcement agencies and government bodies.
