BGB deploys troops along border as clashes erupt between ARSA and AA

By Admin 10 Oct 2025

DMG Newsroom

10 October 2025, Maungdaw

Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) troops have been deployed along the Bangladesh–Arakan border amid fierce clashes between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Arakan Army (AA), according to Bangladesh-based media outlets.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that due to intensified fighting on the Arakan side of the border, BGB troops were deployed on the evening of October 9 to prevent any cross-border movement. Refugees and Bangladeshi nationals living near the frontier were also reportedly warned to stay alert.

A refugee residing in Ukhiya Township, Cox’s Bazar District, was reportedly injured yesterday after being struck by stray gunfire from the fighting across the border in Arakan State, the report said.

Local residents along the frontier claimed that the Myanmar junta has been supplying weapons to Muslim armed groups, while Bangladesh has allowed ARSA elements to operate and move freely within its territory.

“The junta supplies weapons to Muslim militants through naval routes near St. Martin’s Island, disguising the deliveries as fishing operations. Bangladesh, on the other hand, doesn’t provide direct support but allows them to move, take shelter, and establish bases,” said a local border source.

The Arakan Army stated on September 27 that some BGB officers have been involved in supporting or encouraging the activities of Muslim armed groups. The statement also warned that relations between the two sides could become strained if the Bangladesh government fails to control such activities.

For its part, BGB denied any ties to ARSA or RSO, and instead accused the Arakan Army of involvement in drug trafficking. On September 29, Bangladeshi authorities further alleged that some AA soldiers had crossed the border into Bangladesh amid ongoing clashes — claims the AA rejected.

Political analysts say Bangladesh’s failure to effectively control Muslim armed groups could jeopardize the repatriation of Muslim refugees, noting that the growing influence of such groups may undermine future prospects for return.

“The Dhaka government often talks about refugee repatriation, but allowing Muslim armed groups to operate contradicts that. It raises questions about whether they truly want the refugees to go back. While they say one million refugees are a burden, those same people are also a major source of cheap labor,” one political observer commented.

At present, the Arakan Army is said to be prioritizing border security and has been carrying out operations to root out ARSA groups, according to border sources.

Recent fighting has reportedly occurred near border pillars PB-54, PB-56, and PB-57 in northern Maungdaw, as well as in the Kyee Kyan area near the Nat River, south of Taung Pyo Letwae Town.

Analysts note that while the AA has established control over nearly the entire 168-mile border, ongoing harassment and infiltration attempts by Muslim armed groups continue to pose a serious challenge to achieving full border security.