Dhaka: Bangladesh Army today dismissed a report from an Indian media outlet claiming that it had decided to designate the northeastern Bandarban hill district and neighboring Cox’s Bazar as a ‘military zone’, both of which border the troubled Rakhine state of Myanmar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) released a statement categorically rejecting the article titled ‘Bangladesh to declare Cox’s Bazar to Bandarban area as a ‘military operations zone” published by Northeast News. The ISPR described the report as a deliberate attempt at disinformation by certain segments of the Indian media, aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh’s internal cohesion and undermining its armed forces.
Northeast News published the article on Saturday, alleging that a significant area between Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban would be declared a ‘military operations zone’ (MOZ). The report further claimed that this decision was intended to support the Arakan Army and address ongoing border security challenges effectively.
The ISPR statement denounced these claims, stating that the insinuation of Bangladesh Army supporting insurgent factions was ‘baseless and malicious’. The statement emphasized that such speculative and evidence-lacking reporting reflects a broader agenda to sow discord and mislead the public.
The statement further asserted, ‘This narrative is not journalism; it is part of a sustained smear campaign.’ The Bangladesh Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to national interests, affirming that it would not compromise on the nation’s sovereignty, integrity, or constitutional order, and it remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.