Bangladesh is actively maintaining communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, a rebel group controlling large parts of Myanmar’s Arakan State near the border with Bangladesh. This was confirmed by Lieutenant General (Retired) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh, during his visit to the Teknaf border area on Monday afternoon.
Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury highlighted the complex dynamics at the border, stating that the Arakan Army has gained significant territorial control in Myanmar’s Arakan State. To address the challenges arising from this situation, Bangladesh has engaged in dialogue with both the Myanmar junta government and the Arakan Army, seeking to ensure stability and security in the region.
Speaking to journalists, the adviser addressed the growing issue of Rohingya refugees crossing into Bangladesh. Between 50,000 and 60,000 Rohingya have reportedly entered the country illegally, evading the surveillance of Border Guard Bangladesh. However, he clarified that the Bangladesh government has not yet decided whether to register these newly arrived refugees or provide them with shelter, emphasizing that no formal policy decisions have been made in this regard.
Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury assured the public that the Bangladesh border remains under full control of the Border Guard Bangladesh and urged locals to remain calm. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the situation, he noted the involvement of unscrupulous Bangladeshi brokers in facilitating the illegal infiltration of Rohingya refugees, a matter that law enforcement authorities are addressing.
The adviser also touched upon the longstanding issue of illegal drug trafficking in the Teknaf region, describing it as an area well-known for such activities. Stressing the need for a collective approach to tackle the issue, he stated, “We need everyone’s cooperation to combat this. Law enforcement alone cannot resolve it.”
Bangladesh’s efforts to navigate this multifaceted crisis reflect the country’s commitment to maintaining border security while balancing the humanitarian concerns associated with the Rohingya influx. The ongoing engagement with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army underscores the complexity of managing regional stability in one of South Asia’s most volatile border regions.
