In the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State, the Arakan Army, a prominent rebel group, has seized control of the city of Maungdaw. Consequently, the entire 350-kilometer Bangladesh-Myanmar border is now under the Arakan Army's control, according to reports from Myanmar media.
Arakan Army spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha informed the BBC Burmese Service that their forces are currently engaged in efforts to take full control of Rakhine State, including capturing the junta's western regional command headquarters.
Following their territorial gains, the Arakan Army imposed an indefinite navigation ban in the Myanmar section of the Naf River, which runs along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. This prompted heightened security measures from Bangladesh authorities, including increased Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) patrols.
Local officials have also intensified public safety efforts. Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin told BBC Bangla, "Since the rebel Arakan Army has taken over the border, we have maintained vigilance at the border to prevent any illegal infiltration."
The Arakan Army has been engaged in armed conflict against Myanmar's junta government for nearly eight months. Security analysts indicate that several other armed groups in Rakhine State, including the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), have allied with the junta forces.
The Arakan Army's control over Rakhine State's border has raised concerns about potential new waves of Rohingya infiltration into Bangladesh, further complicating efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees. Security analyst and retired Major Emdadul Islam told BBC Bangla, "As a result, the issue of Rohingya repatriation is becoming more complicated and more difficult for Bangladesh."
The evolving conflict underscores the challenges faced by regional authorities as they navigate security risks and humanitarian concerns stemming from the prolonged unrest in Myanmar.
