DHAKA, Nov 3: Bangladesh mobilised three warships and said it would take “all possible measures” to protect its territory on Monday after accusing neighbouring Myanmar of encroaching on its seawaters to hunt for gas.

Bangladesh will also send a high-level delegation to Myanmar to “defuse” tensions between the two countries, according to a statement issued by the foreign ministry.

Bangladesh’s foreign minister Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said he had warned Myanmar’s envoy to Dhaka that “all steps would be taken to protect the sovereignty and territory of Bangladesh.”

The Bangladesh Navy warships took up position near disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal to face off with the Myanmar exploration fleet, top navy officials told an AFP correspondent in southeastern port city of Chittagong.

“Myanmar navy deployed four civil ships with survey team and equipment of a Korean exploration company at the front side at the disputed waters backed by its two warships from behind,” an official said.

“We are observing the situation and have urged Myanmar navy to pull back their ships in a bid to ease tension,” said a navy official. “We are on high alert.”

Our Correspondent adds: On Saturday, Dhaka had protested against Myanamar’s intrusion into the disputed waters in the Bay of Bengal, breaching the bilateral understanding that none of the sides will go for mineral exploration in the area until a settlement was reached.

Foreign secretary, Touhid Hossain, summoned Myanamar’s ambassador in Dhaka, U Phae Thann Oo, to lodge the protest.

However, the foreign secretary on Saturday also handed the Myanmar ambassador a note, requesting Yangon to immediately suspend all activities within the maritime zone of Bangladesh.

“The note categorically emphasised that the government of Bangladeshreserves 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,” a foreign ministry statement issued on Saturday said.