Prime Minister’s Security Affairs Adviser Maj Gen (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique said the situation in Myanmar is deteriorating, but Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining a peaceful stance and will refrain from engaging in any aggressive actions.

He was addressing the annual conference of deputy commissioners (DCs) in Dhaka on Tuesday (March 5).

The adviser said: “The tension is still going on at the border in Myanmar. As per the prime minister's order, we will not play any aggressive role in this connection. But the army is ready to face any situation.”

He also said: "Our Civil Military Relationship (CMR) has been discussed for further improvement. The discussion was very fruitful. Several proposals have come from the DC and Divisional Commissioners. We will discuss this with the Prime Minister and take action. They (DC-Divisional Commissioners) also want to come closer to us, we also want to come closer to them. We have a good relationship. They come here to train us; we also go to them. Our friendship has increased a lot."

Asked what the DCs have proposed, he said, they (DC-divisional commissioners) have proposed the use of helicopters. The situation especially on the Myanmar border is very worrying. As civil administration is involved there, BGB is also involved. The army is not as involved. According to the Prime Minister's instructions, we will never take an aggressive role. But we are ready, if there is any attack on us, we will take action. It was discussed.

Tarique Ahmed Siddique said apart from this, there was a discussion about fishing Hilsa. Hilsa is being caught by the people coming from the neighboring country. The Chief of Navy has said what measures will be taken in this regard.

When asked what were the instructions from your end, he said, the military is self-sufficient. We want to work together with them especially in times of crisis. We had a request from the DCs, about catching fire... It might be seen today that the price of sugar will increase in the market due to fire at a sugar warehouse. Its effect is supposed to be very little. That is not even one percent of our reserves. But it might be seen that dishonest traders have increased the price of sugar on the pretext of the incident. In this regard, they will keep an eye on it. We will also ask law enforcement agencies to monitor them.

Regarding the use of helicopters, he said due to the current situation, we have significantly reduced helicopter usage. Due to the global economic downturn, it has affected oil prices. That's why helicopter usage has been reduced. The DCs have said that they do not have helicopters according to the demand. This might be temporary. However, whenever someone needs it, helicopter support will be provided.

There are 356 proposals on the agenda of this year's Deputy Commissioner Conference. The proposals have been prioritized to increase public services, reduce public suffering, build roads and bridges, develop tourism, amend laws or regulations, and protect public interest. Out of this maximum of 22 proposals have been received from the Road Transport and Highways Department. There are a total of 30 sessions including 25 working sessions in the conference. 

BDST: 1311 HRS, MAR 05, 2024
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