by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, September 30, 2025 — Bangladesh’s Border Guard (BGB) has rejected recent allegations by the United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of the Arakan Army (AA), claiming that the force supports the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO). Officials described the accusations as propaganda and “completely baseless.”
BGB sources confirmed that the paramilitary force has no ties with ARSA or RSO. On the contrary, it has carried out repeated operations against such groups, arresting top leaders including Ataullah Jununi. Officials said militants continue to infiltrate from Myanmar, not Bangladesh, and pointed to AA landmines planted along the frontier as evidence that Rohingya armed groups cannot operate freely inside Bangladesh.
The BGB highlighted its intensified security since the collapse of Myanmar’s ceasefire in late 2023, with round-the-clock patrols along the Naf River and in Bandarban–Cox’s Bazar areas. Soldiers have been deployed in shifts to prevent cross-border smuggling and militant entry.
Alongside security, the BGB said it has provided humanitarian support to border villagers, including medical aid and mine-awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the AA is facing internal crises in northern Maungdaw, with desertions, food shortages, and falling morale among fighters. Civilians, including Rohingyas, continue to flee the violence, while some AA members have reportedly surrendered across the border.
“BGB’s role is clear: to secure the frontier and protect civilians. We reject propaganda linking us to extremist groups,” an official said.
The force also urged the international community to recognize the realities in Rakhine State and work to create conditions for the safe and voluntary repatriation of Rohingya refugees with justice and dignity.
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