Burma and Bangladesh exchange prisoners

Teknaf, Bangladesh: Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) handed over 19 released prisoners to Nasaka (Burma’s border security force) on December 3, while Burmese border security force (Nasaka) handed over 35 Bangladeshi prisoners through flag meeting between Nasaka and BGB at Teknaf, according to BGB official.

Flag meeting between Nasaka and BGB at Teknaf, the released prisoners from Bangladesh jail

Major A. Khoda Shamshur Zaman Mohammad Ariful of BGB Battalion # 42 of Teknaf led 10 members delegation from Bangladesh side while a nine-member delegation was led by Major San Win Khaing, the commander, Nasaka area No.6 of Burma side. Major Kyaw Aung, the commander of Nasaka area No.7 of Maungdaw Township was also participated in the meeting.

The step was carried out "at the request of the Bangladesh government and for the sake of friendly ties and relations between the two countries and considering their personal affairs."

Burma has released 35 Bangladeshis from jail as a goodwill gesture ahead of Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina's planned visit to the nation, according to bdnews24.com.

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina will be the first visit in the last eight years by any Bangladeshi leader to the Burma.

In 2003, then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia toured the country.

The visit also comes after Burmese deputy commander-in-chief Lieutenant-General Soe Win visited Bangladesh late last month.

The Released Prisoners (RPs) were arrested in Bangladesh from many places in earlier and were jailed in various jails. However, they have been staying in the jails, though their jail terms had been completed as no one had appeared to accept them, according to jail official.

According to a prisoner from Cox’s Bazar, there are about 500 released prisoners in Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban and other jails.  

Among the released prisoners, some are Khamis, Rakhines, Chakmas and Rohingyas.

Nasaka also handed over 35 prisoners to BGB who were arrested by Nasaka earlier while fishing in Naff River and wood cutting from Burma-Bangladesh border.