Myanmar warships withdraw from disputed waters in Bay of Bengal

Dhaka, Nov 9 (UNI) Bangladesh today said Korean 'Rig Trans-Ocean Legend' company along with Myanmar warships withdrew from oil and gas exploration in the disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal in the face of strong protest by Bangladesh navy as well as diplomatic efforts.

Inter-Service Public Relation (ISPR) Directorate said the Korean civilian ship today removed the rig installed for gas and oil exploration as well as the Myanmar warships that aided the exploration.

The ISPR said, on November 1 a Bangladeshi naval ship found that four drilling vessels and a tug with the support of Myanmar warships started exploration by a huge rig within the deep sea waters claimed by Bangladesh.

In response, the Bangladesh navy intensified its strength in the deep sea alongside the diplomatic efforts.

Bangladesh also dispatched a delegation led by Foreign Secretary Touhid Hossain to Yangon to discuss the matter with the Myanmarese authorities.

Besides, crew of the civilian Korean company ship was informed of Bangladesh's position and her claim on the water. As a result, the Korean ship engaged in exploration and crew realised the danger of the consequences.

The ISPR said the Korean company with the rig and Myanmar warships were withdrawn following diplomatic efforts and strong presence of Bangladesh naval forces in the area.

UNI XC ARB RP KP1804