Border trade resumes between Arakan and Bangladesh, merchants await full operations

By Admin 05 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

5 May 2026, Maungdaw

Border trade between Arakan State and Bangladesh resumed on May 1, but local merchants say operations have yet to return to normal.

On that day, a motorboat carrying timber departed from Kanyinchaung Jetty in Maungdaw Township for Teknaf Port in Bangladesh. However, no further cargo movements have been reported since the initial shipment.

“It is true that border trade has resumed, but there have been no additional trips yet. Both sides appear to be preparing arrangements such as contracts and trade documentation,” a local merchant said.

The motorboat used in the May 1 shipment was seen flying the Myanmar national flag, drawing public attention. According to Bangladeshi media reports, the exported timber was valued at more than 16,000 USD.

The Arakan Army currently controls the entire Maungdaw border area, making the resumption of border trade a significant development for the region.

With overland trade routes to India and Magway facing blockades and transportation difficulties, reopening trade with Bangladesh is seen as vital for the local economy.

“At a time when trade routes are disrupted, the opportunity to engage in formal trade with Bangladesh could have a major impact. Merchants are hoping to export local products and import essential goods such as food, medicine, and agricultural supplies,” another merchant said.

While the Bangladeshi government has expressed its intention to resume border trade with Myanmar, it has not clarified which authority it will formally engage with.

Observers say that although relations have improved under Bangladesh’s new government, further negotiations are still needed for full implementation.

Despite tensions between Bangladeshi authorities and the Arakan Army in 2024 and 2025, Arakan Army Chief Maj-Gen Twan Mrat Naing has expressed a commitment to building good relations with Bangladesh.