BGB clashes with RSO near Arakan border, seizes arms and narcotics

By Admin 05 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 June 2026, Maungdaw

A clash broke out between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), a Muslim armed group, near the Arakan State border in Cox's Bazar District, resulting in the seizure of weapons, ammunition and narcotics from the RSO, according to border sources.

The exchange of fire between the RSO and the BGB's 64th Battalion took place near the Naf River in the Bahapara border area under the Palongkhali Border Outpost (BOP) in Ukhiya Upazila, Cox's Bazar District, at around 2:30 p.m. on June 3.

According to sources, RSO members retreated from the area due to the BGB's superior manpower and firepower, leaving behind weapons, ammunition and other belongings.

"We heard gunfire that night. The exchange of fire lasted for quite a long time. We later learned that it was a clash between the BGB and the RSO," a resident living along the Arakan-Bangladesh border said.

Bangladeshi sources confirmed that the armed group involved in the clash was an RSO unit operating in the area.

Another Bangladeshi resident said: "Clashes happen when people move through these border areas. The RSO was attempting to secretly enter Arakan State, and fighting broke out when the BGB intercepted them. The situation along the border has since returned to normal."

In a statement on the clash, the BGB said it seized one G-3 rifle, 515 rounds of ammunition, G-3 magazines, 4,000 Yaba stimulant tablets, mobile phones, SIM cards and other communication equipment.

Following the clash, BGB personnel tightened security measures along the border and located and destroyed a temporary hideout allegedly used by the RSO.

The BGB said it will continue efforts to crack down on arms and narcotics trafficking along the border.

Several armed groups, including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, RSO, Arakan Rohingya Army and Rohingya Islami Mahaz, operate along the Arakan-Bangladesh border. Clashes involving the BGB or the Arakan Army frequently occur as these groups attempt to enter Arakan State and engage in arms and drug trafficking, according to local sources.

These Muslim armed groups previously fought alongside Myanmar's military regime against the Arakan Army during fighting in Arakan State.

After the Arakan Army captured Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships, many members of those groups retreated into Bangladesh, where they are believed to be operating from refugee camps and border areas.