Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Bangladesh has protested strongly against the reported intrusion of Burmese vessels in the deep sea block 08-13, foreign ministry said.

Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Phae Thann Oo was called to the Foreign office in the capital on Sunday to receive Dhaka’s protest note against the reported intrusion of Burmese vessels in the deep sea block.

Foreign Secretary Towhid Hossain handed over the protest note to the Ambassador asking him to convey to his government Bangladesh’s request to also immediately suspend all activities within the declared maritime zones of Bangladesh in accordance with the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 of Bangladesh, according to a foreign ministry press statement.

The note categorically emphasized that the government of Bangladesh reserves the right to protect its interests and urged the government of Myanmar to ensure the withdrawal of their marine vessels and stoppage of any exploration work until the delimitation of maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar is resolved, the statement added.

BBN/SI/SSR/AD-03November08-9:54 AM (BST)