Desk News | ARAKAN BEACON NEWS
The Arakan Army (AA), a Myanmar rebel group, has now taken full control of the areas along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border. As a result, the AA has been stepping up its activities right next to Bangladesh’s frontier, forcing Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain on high alert, according to a report by German media outlet Deutsche Welle.
The AA faces allegations of involvement in drug and arms smuggling, kidnapping fishermen for ransom, and trafficking Rohingya to raise funds. Local sources report that AA fighters are positioned all along the Naf River and land borders, desperately trying to collect money and weapons for their next campaign against Myanmar’s military.
With Bangladesh tightening border security, the AA has found itself under pressure and is reportedly trying to push back through various tactics. While rice supplies are not scarce, the AA is said to be facing shortages of food, clothing, and medicines.
Bangladesh, on its part, is said to be maintaining informal communication with the AA. Meanwhile, BGB has reinforced border patrols and deployed additional troops.
Rising Crimes at the Border
In recent weeks, multiple incidents have been reported of Bangladeshi fishermen being abducted from the Naf River and held for ransom. Control of the drug trade, previously overseen by Myanmar’s junta, has now shifted to the AA. While no major clashes are currently taking place between the two sides, drug-related conflicts have been reported.
Between August 20 and 26, AA abducted at least 51 fishermen from Teknaf’s Naf River, who have yet to be released. In total, since December last year, AA has abducted 267 Bangladeshi fishermen, of whom 189 and 27 boats were later returned.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard has increased patrols to prevent fishermen from crossing into Myanmar waters, where abduction risks remain high. On August 29, the Coast Guard intercepted 19 trawlers carrying 122 fishermen — including 93 Rohingyas — before they could be captured by AA.
Smuggling and Armed Clashes
The AA has also been accused of using Cox’s Bazar as a route for arms trafficking. On August 27, BGB seized several weapons, including G-3 rifles, an MA-1, an LM-16, and over 500 rounds of ammunition, following a clash with suspected AA-linked smugglers near Khurer Dwip.
Additionally, some Rohingya youths who were lured into joining the AA are now seeking to surrender, according to local sources. On August 11, a young man surrendered to BGB at Balukhali border carrying an AK-47, reportedly a member of AA.
Rohingya Situation Worsens
Currently, around 50,000 Rohingyas are waiting along the Myanmar border to enter Bangladesh. Reports suggest that AA members, along with local syndicates, are facilitating illegal crossings in exchange for money. Meanwhile, Rohingyas inside Rakhine are reportedly facing oppression from the AA.
Rohingya community leaders and activists in Bangladesh claim that while the AA is persecuting Rohingyas in Rakhine, the group is also profiting by charging fees for safe passage into Cox’s Bazar.
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