Major challenges for Bangladesh as the Arakan Army takes control of parts of its territory, straining ties with India; Muhammad Yunus now involved

December 16 holds immense significance for the people of the Indian subcontinent. On this day in 1971, over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army in Dhaka, marking the end of the war and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. However, 54 years later, Bangladesh faces an unprecedented crisis threatening its sovereignty and security.

The nation has been in turmoil since Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister and flee the country. Tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border have reached alarming levels, with reports indicating that Myanmar’s insurgent group, the Arakan Army (AA), has seized parts of Bangladesh’s Teknaf region. This area holds strategic importance due to its proximity to Rohingya refugee camps and the iconic Saint Martin Island.

Myanmar’s Arakan Army Targets Bangladesh

According to a report by TV9, multiple clashes have occurred between the Arakan Army and Bangladeshi forces along the border. Local sources allege that the insurgent group has taken control of portions of Bangladeshi territory. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the Bangladesh government has yet to release an official statement.

The Rising Influence of the Arakan Army

The growing power of the Arakan Army is a major concern. Having established dominance over large parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine province, the group now appears to be focusing on Bangladesh’s border areas. Following its recent successes in regions like Maungdaw, the Arakan Army is employing an aggressive strategy to expand its influence, including targeting strategic areas such as Saint Martin Island. As reported by Manish Jha, the group is exploiting vulnerabilities along Bangladesh’s borders to further its ambitions, heightening the threat to the country’s territorial integrity.