By: Camp Correspondent
Remakri Mukh, Bandarban | April 2025
A video showing members of the Arakan Army (AA) and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), openly appearing in uniform and displaying their flag during the Arakha Water Festival in Remakri Mukh, Bandarban, has gone viral—raising alarm among Bangladeshi citizens, rights groups, and displaced Rohingya communities.
The footage, widely shared across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp, shows individuals believed to be affiliated with the AA/ULA moving freely on Bangladeshi soil, interacting with festivalgoers near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border. No intervention from local authorities or border security forces is seen in the video.
“This is not just a festival—it looks like a show of force,” one social media user posted. “How can a foreign armed group operate publicly inside our borders?”
A Threat to Sovereignty and Regional Stability
The open display of a foreign insurgent group’s symbols inside a sovereign state has sparked serious debate, especially as the Arakan Army continues to be accused of grave human rights violations against the Rohingya population in Rakhine State.
Security analysts have termed the video “deeply alarming,” noting the strategic sensitivity of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region. The incident has raised serious concerns over the state of border vigilance and oversight by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
“Allowing any armed group—especially one accused of ethnic cleansing and persecution—to parade symbols inside a neighboring country is unacceptable,” said a regional security researcher. “This is a breach of sovereignty and an erosion of trust in border management.”
Silence from Authorities, Growing Public Outcry
As of publication, the Government of Bangladesh has not issued an official statement. However, government sources indicate that high-level discussions are underway regarding the footage and the broader implications for cross-border diplomacy and internal security.
Public outrage continues to build, with citizens demanding a full investigation, stricter border control measures, and clear policies on the activities of foreign non-state actors within Bangladeshi territory.
Concerns from Rohingya Community: “We Fled Them—Now They’re Here?”
For Rohingya refugees temporarily residing in Bangladesh, the presence of AA members within the country has triggered fresh anxiety. Many in the camps view the AA not only as a rebel force but as one of the primary perpetrators of current abuses in Maungdaw and Buthidaung.
“We ran from them. Now we see them walking freely in Bangladesh while we remain locked in refugee camps,” said a young Rohingya teacher from Camp-11.
“The AA has forcibly evicted our families, destroyed our villages, and imposed harsh restrictions. If they appear in Bangladesh without resistance, it puts us in danger,” said a community elder from Camp-3.
Debate Over Terminology: ‘Rakhine’ vs. ‘Arakan’
The video also sparked linguistic and political debate over the use of the term “Rakhine” versus “Arakan.” A widely shared comment raised this issue:
“The problem is that ‘Rakhine’ doesn’t only refer to the state—it refers to the Buddhist ethnicity. We call them ‘Mog,’ while they identify as the Rakhine community. ‘Rakhine State’ reflects the junta’s imposed name; ‘Arakan’ is the historical name used by many, but now it’s tied to the Arakan Army. Either way, the name doesn’t represent the Rohingya.”
This reflects the complex identity politics surrounding the conflict in Rakhine State and the struggle for inclusive representation beyond the narratives of dominant armed actors.
A Dangerous Precedent
As tensions rise in both Rakhine State and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the presence of a militarized group linked to alleged ethnic violence inside Bangladesh—even at a cultural festival—sets a dangerous precedent.
“This must not be normalized,” warned a rights activist. “If they can fly their flags in Bandarban today, where will they appear next? And who will speak for the victims they left behind in northern Arakan?”
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