Foreign Affairs Advisor Finally Admits Loss of Border Control After Four Months

Special Report

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor recently acknowledged that control of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border has fallen into the hands of non-state actors, particularly the Arakan Army. With Myanmar’s central government losing authority over the region, serious concerns about Bangladesh’s national security have emerged. The interim government faces harsh criticism for its failure to secure the border, along with fears of a potential war with Myanmar’s junta and the resulting risks.

Loss of Border Control and Arakan Army’s Rise
Since November 2023, the Arakan Army launched intense attacks against Myanmar’s junta forces in Rakhine State. By December 2024, they had seized control of the entire 271-kilometer border area, including Maungdaw. For four months, the government remained silent on this issue, failed to increase surveillance, and allowed Arakan Army members to freely enter Bangladeshi territory, participate in events, and leave without interference.

Out of 17 cities in Rakhine, 12 are now under Arakan Army control. The failure of Myanmar’s junta to regain authority has exacerbated instability along the border.

The Foreign Affairs Advisor stated, “The border is now in the hands of a non-state actor. It is in our interest to engage with them.” This remark sparked controversy, with critics arguing that engaging with the insurgent group might further strain relations with Myanmar’s junta, posing diplomatic and security risks for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s interim government has faced sharp criticism for its border security management. Reports of border explosions, Rohingya infiltrations, and Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) members seeking refuge in Bangladesh have caused public alarm. Since February 2024, over 100 Myanmar military and border officials have fled to Bangladesh, underscoring the vulnerability of the border.

Retired Major Emdadul Islam, a security analyst, commented, “Bangladesh’s border management is weak. Attempting to engage with the Arakan Army could provoke the junta, which would be dangerous for us.” Critics believe the government’s poor diplomatic efforts and inadequate border surveillance have compounded the crisis.

Fear of War and Potential Dangers
Relations between Bangladesh and Myanmar’s junta were already strained due to the Rohingya crisis, with over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees currently in Bangladesh, placing economic and security burdens on the country. The rise of the Arakan Army adds a new dimension to the crisis. Some reports claim Rohingyas are supporting the junta while taking up arms against the Arakan Army, increasing the risk of border conflict.

Retired Major General Abdur Rashid, another security analyst, warned, “If the Arakan Army retains control over Rakhine long-term, Bangladesh must address the issue through the United Nations. However, if the junta launches a counteroffensive to reclaim the region, border security risks will escalate.”

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) have accused the interim government of engaging in unnecessary conflict with Myanmar by providing a corridor to the Arakan Army, potentially driving the country toward destruction.

Analysts urge Bangladesh to adopt cautious diplomacy and strengthen border security measures. Enhancing the activities of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard, as well as increased surveillance and international cooperation, are deemed essential. Experts recommend carefully navigating relations with both Myanmar’s junta and the Arakan Army to ensure Rohingya repatriation and maintain border peace.

The border’s instability poses economic, social, and security challenges for Bangladesh. Observers believe resolving the crisis without intervention from the United Nations and the international community will be difficult. The government is under increasing pressure to implement transparent and effective measures.

The occupation of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border by the Arakan Army, coupled with the junta’s weakness and the Rohingya crisis, has created a complex situation. Despite mounting criticism of the interim government’s security management, addressing the crisis requires diplomatic skill and international collaboration. Bangladesh must take strategic and cautious steps to avoid war and ensure national security.