A H M Faruk :
Conflict and shifts in power within Myanmar’s Rakhine state are nothing new for Bangladesh.
However, the terrifying “drug terrorism” that has solidified behind this conflict in recent times has emerged as a threat to Bangladesh’s national security and future generations.
The ‘Arakan Army’ (AA), an armed group controlling approximately 80% of Rakhine, has now fully leaned into the drug trade to meet their military expenses.
Consequently, neighboring Bangladesh has become the primary target and market for their drug empire.
According to security analysts, if the Arakan Army’s drug economy is not suppressed with a heavy hand immediately, Bangladesh is poised to face a long-term social, economic, and security disaster within the next decade.
When ‘Drugs’ Become the Fuel for War Established in 2009, the Arakan Army is currently one of Myanmar’s most powerful non-state actors.
Behind their incredible success against the junta government lies a massive supply of funds. The main source of this money is drugs.
Strategic Taxing Analysis reveals that while the Arakan Army may not be directly involved in drug production; they have introduced a well-organized ‘taxing’ system.
They now control the smuggling routes for Yaba and Crystal Meth (Ice) coming from Myanmar’s Golden Triangle and Shan State.
They collect hefty ‘protection taxes’ from drug syndicates and labs in exchange for providing security.
This is a ‘win-win’ situation for them—income is increasing on one hand, and they are establishing control over syndicates close to the Myanmar army on the other.
Teknaf to St. Martin: Unguarded Routes and New Strategies Bangladesh’s geographical location and border weaknesses have become a blessing for the Arakan Army. The Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar route is now known as the main ‘gateway’ for Yaba.
According to information from law enforcement and various intelligence sources, they are primarily using three routes for drug trafficking: They are — the Naf River and maritime boundaries, the hilly routes of Teknaf-Hnila-Whykong, and the marine routes along St. Martin and the Chattogram coast.
The most concerning development is that the Rohingya camps are now being used as ‘logistic hubs.’
Capitalizing on poverty, unemployment, and the uncertainty of repatriation within the camps, the Arakan Army is utilizing Rohingyas for drug transport or as ‘carriers.’
After Yaba, Now ‘Crystal Ice’ or Meth the Arakan Army’s drug trade is no longer limited to just Yaba.
They are now pushing high-purity, expensive drugs like ‘Crystal Ice’ (Meth) and liquid drugs into Bangladesh.
This product, which is many times more profitable than Yaba, is pushing the country’s youth to the brink of destruction.
This ‘product upgradation’ is making the Arakan Army financially even stronger, the direct impact of which is falling upon Bangladesh’s border.
A Small Sample of Recoveries One of the main drug routes is the Teknaf region of Cox’s Bazar.
The Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) Teknaf Battalion is deployed there. Regarding this, “I spoke with the Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ashiqur Rahman.
He informed me that from 2020 to 2025, a total of 35,895,217 Yaba tablets and 149.9338 kg of Crystal Meth Ice were seized.
The total value of these seizures is approximately Tk. 1,826 crore 52 lakh 55 thousand 100 Taka.” In connection with these incidents, 2,755 cases were filed, and 1,975 individuals were accused.
Fear of Multidimensional Disaster Looming Over Bangladesh: According to security analysts, the Arakan Army’s drug terrorism is exerting four major negative impacts on Bangladesh: Social and Public Health: A vast portion of the country’s youth is becoming addicted, crippling future human resources. Crimes like domestic violence, theft, mugging, and murder are on the rise.
Economic Hemorrhage: Huge amounts of capital are being laundered to Myanmar through drug purchases.
A massive economy of black money is being created, which is harmful to the national economy.
National Security and Crime-Terror Nexus: The Arakan Army is purchasing sophisticated weapons with drug money. An increase in their strength at the border translates to a risk for Bangladesh.
Moreover, reports of their communication with some separatist groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have challenged internal security.
Diplomatic Image: There is a risk of international media labeling Bangladesh as a ‘Drug Transit Nation,’ which could tarnish the country’s image abroad.
Duties and Recommendations Experts have advised taking strict measures before the situation spirals out of control.
Notable recommendations include Technological Surveillance: Ensuring 24-hour surveillance via drones and modern radar systems over the Naf River and coastal areas.
International Pressure: Creating regional diplomatic pressure involving China, India, and ASEAN countries to break the Arakan Army’s drug network.
Zero Tolerance: Conducting strict operations against those inside the country who are dealers or part of these syndicates and cutting off their funding sources.
Camp Security: Increasing intelligence surveillance in Rohingya camps and adopting a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug involvement.
The Arakan Army’s drug terrorism is not merely a border issue; it is a question of Bangladesh’s existence and future.
If this is not prevented now, this ‘drug bomb’ could cause a terrifying explosion in Bangladesh in the future.
(The writer is a senior journalist)
