Whatever Is Lau, Is Also Kodu

Opinion

Recently, dramatic changes are being hinted at in the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The “humanitarian corridor” proposal under the leadership of Dr. Yunus faced intense internal criticism and was declared canceled. However, has the plan truly been canceled, or is there a higher geopolitical game at play behind it?

The primary question arises: Is the newly formed “Military Operations Zone” under the army in Bandarban a transformed version of the canceled corridor plan?

What has essentially happened is that the corridor has been converted into a military domain to deceive the public. The army is now taking control of a significant portion of the Bandarban border area, which is off-limits to the general public. Officially, this is being called an operations zone, but in reality, it is a controlled military corridor through which food, medical supplies, and military equipment will be sent to the Arakan Army.

The active role of the CIA is behind this entire plan. Their objective is to strengthen the Arakan Army against Myanmar’s junta government and to sustain a prolonged conflict in the Rakhine region. This will reduce China’s influence, weaken Myanmar as a state, and turn the Arakan region into a pro-Western buffer zone.

Bangladesh is being used here as a low-profile proxy ally, whose territory is being utilized to provide logistical support to the Arakan Army.

This step may bring perilous consequences for Bangladesh. Potential risks include: Myanmar’s junta government may consider Bangladesh a directly involved party and launch attacks on the border. If war begins at the border, large-scale military instability will spread across the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Fear, anxiety, and mass protests may arise among the general public. Bangladesh could face allegations of humanitarian violations from the United Nations and the international community.

This situation could give rise to new crises within the country. Political debate over the role of the army will begin. Controversies surrounding the activities of the secret “Unit Zero” will spread in the media. National unity may weaken, and political divisions may deepen. Separatist groups and extremists in the Chittagong Hill Tracts may increase their activities.

Regionally, China, which has significant investments and strategic interests in Myanmar, will see this situation as a threat. China may put diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh or even impose economic sanctions. For India, this will be a difficult situation. On one hand, Bangladesh is their close neighbor; on the other, with its shared border with Myanmar and strategic rivalry with China, India will find itself in a dilemma. As a close ally of China, Russia may take a stand in favor of Myanmar’s junta government and increase its provision of weapons and technological support.

The CIA will not stop here. They will provide advanced weapons, training, and intelligence support to the Arakan Army. They may exert pressure on Bangladeshi political leaders to bring about policy changes. Divisions within the army could also be created to foster internal resistance. Efforts may be made to bring pro-Western political forces back to power.

Where we thought peace would be brought to Rakhine through a humanitarian corridor, it is in reality turning into a military conflict zone. This conflict will not remain confined to the border—it will entangle Bangladesh in a dangerous international web, potentially resulting in political instability, military disasters, and international isolation.

-Rana Masud