Dhaka maintains dialogue with Arakan Army amid Myanmar turmoil
Staff Reporter :
The Home Affairs Adviser to the Interim Government, Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, has stated that Bangladesh is maintaining communication with Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) to ensure border security and facilitate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees. He also acknowledged that Bangladesh is facing a dilemma regarding the Rohingya issue.
He made these remarks during a press briefing at the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s conference room on Saturday, following a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Home Affairs Adviser noted that Bangladesh and Myanmar engage in import-export trade through the Teknaf land port.
owever, since the Arakan Army seized control of Rakhine State, they have been obstructing the movement of trade vessels.
Regarding the detention of Bangladeshi fishermen and the seizure of cargo vessels, the adviser stated, “They have detained several vessels and abducted our fishermen. These incidents have disrupted normal trade operations.”
He further explained, “For the sake of border security and the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, Dhaka has been maintaining communication with the Arakan Army.”
Responding to a question from journalists, the adviser acknowledged that incidents of abduction and drug trafficking have increased in Cox’s Bazar.
“The journalists and the local community are aware of those responsible for these crimes,” he added.
Since the Rohingya influx in 2017, Bangladesh has been
hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees on humanitarian grounds.
Describing the Rohingya issue as a significant burden, he emphasised, “Without Rohingya repatriation, curbing criminal activities in border areas will remain a challenge.”
“The repatriation of Rohingya is not a straightforward matter. Bangladesh finds itself in a volatile situation due to this,” remarked the home adviser.
In response to a question regarding the encroachment of tourist spots under political influence, he asserted, “We are not operating under the patronage of any political party.
We are undertaking whatever is necessary for the welfare of the country.”
He clarified that no directive has been issued to favour any political group.
“If any political leader or activist is involved in illegal activities, legal action will be taken against them based on evidence.
The administration will act on the basis of crime, not political affiliations,” he stated.
However, he also pointed out a prevailing issue within the administration, where officials seek to ingratiate themselves with political leaders who appear likely to assume power.
“There is no directive from the top level or the ministry,” he asserted.
Given the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, he also mentioned that Bangladesh has reinforced border security to prevent drug trafficking, Rohingya infiltration, and human trafficking.
“In this effort, the Ukhiya Battalion 64 of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will be deployed from 1 March,” he announced.
Over time, the Rohingya issue has increasingly posed challenges within local communities, as criminal activities within the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar have risen.
In an attempt to resolve the crisis, the United Nations is set to organise an international conference in the latter half of this year to rally global support.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has recently announced his scheduled visit to Bangladesh from 13 to 16 March to assess the Rohingya situation before the international conference at the UN Headquarters.