Bangladesh today summoned Myanmar's envoy here to protest against the fresh influx of Rohingya Muslim minority into the country and ask Naypyidaw to take steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine state.
Charge'd affairs of the Myanmar embassy Aung Myint Than was summoned by director general (Southeast Asia) at the foreign ministry.
In the past 10 days, Than has been summoned for the fourth time. He was handed a protest note as influx of refugees is estimated to have exceeded 1,50,000 since the outbreak of violence in Buddhist majority Rakhine state.
Bangladesh also expressed concern at the reported laying down of anti-personnel landmine close to the zero line of the border by Myanmar security forces.
According to reports, Myanmar was laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days while Bangladesh officials feared the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.
The foreign office in a statement said Dhaka demanded immediate Naypyidaw steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine and effective measures on urgent basis to stop the ongoing influx.
Bangladesh also regretted that appropriate measures for protection of civilian population (Rohingyas) have not been ensured during the military operation (Rakhine) that compelled huge number of desperate people to seek shelter in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought UN intervention in sending back Rohingyas.
"The UN should act in such a way to put pressure on Myanmar for immediate repatriation of their nationals," Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as saying.
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