Arakan Army disrupts Bangladesh-Myanmar trade, demands taxes: Home adviser

The Arakan Army has taken control of areas near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and is disrupting cross-border trade by demanding taxes on exports, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (23 April).

"Currently, they [Arakan Army] are controlling areas near the Myanmar border, surrounding Bangladesh. This has forced us to maintain communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army," Jahangir said while speaking to the media after a coordination meeting with divisional officials at the Chattogram Circuit House.

"We are paying taxes to the Myanmar government. On the other hand, the Arakan Army is also demanding tax," he added.

Addressing recent viral footage showing the Arakan Army allegedly celebrating their New Year near the border, the adviser dismissed it as misleading. "The Arakan Army has been in this region for quite some time. Some of its members have even married into Bangladeshi families. However, the situation is not as serious as it's being portrayed. Bangladesh's border is completely secure."

Regarding the law and order situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Jahangir claimed, "Despite a few isolated abduction incidents, the hill regions are now significantly more peaceful than before."

When asked about media reporting, the adviser criticised the spread of misinformation. "If our journalists report inaccurately, it gives neighbouring countries an opportunity to take advantage. Unfortunately, we're also seeing false information being spread by journalists from across the border regarding Bangladesh."

The adviser stressed the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in matters of national security and international relations.