Amid the heightened tension along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that Bangladesh will not step into the provocative trap of the neighboring country.

Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said this while addressing a press conference at the party President Sheikh Hasina’s political office in Dhanmondi area of Dhaka on Monday noon.

According to locals, a gunfight between the Myanmar junta and rebels erupted near Dhekibaniya, targeting a Myanmar border guard outpost, starting at 3:00 pm on 3 February.

Meanwhile, two people, including a Bangladeshi national, were killed this afternoon after heavy mortar shells fired from Myanmar landed inside Bangladesh territory of Ghumdum border in Bandarban.

Panic has seized the Bangladeshi residents in the vicinity as bullets and rockets from the ongoing conflict have been striking individuals, vehicles, and houses across the border.

Amid the situation, Quader said, “No matter how Myanmar provokes us, we will not step into the trap. Rather we will solve the issue through discussion.”

The Awami League leader said Bangladesh does not support war ever. It is Myanmar’s internal conflict. We should refrain from getting panicked.”

Earlier on Sunday, Quader held a meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh and asked him to call upon Myanmar so that it stays aside from such a conflicting situation that hampers regional peace.