[🇧🇩] Insurgencies in Myanmar. Implications for Bangladesh

[Saif]

Myanmar junta extends state of emergency

Myanmar’s junta extended a state of emergency by six months on Friday, four years after it seized power triggering a civil war that has claimed thousands of lives.

www.newagebd.net

Myanmar junta extends state of emergency
Agence France-Presse . Yangon 01 February, 2025, 01:21

Myanmar’s junta extended a state of emergency by six months on Friday, four years after it seized power triggering a civil war that has claimed thousands of lives.

The country is mired in a bloody, multi-sided conflict stemming from the February 1, 2021 putsch that ended a 10-year experiment with democracy.

The military is struggling to contain armed resistance to its rule, suffering a series of damaging battlefield losses over the past year to an alliance of ethnic minority armed groups in the north and west of the country.

The ruling military council headed by army chief Min Aung Hlaing unanimously approved the extension, the junta’s information team said in a statement.

‘All members of National Defence and Security Council including the commander in chief as well as acting president decided in unison for the extension of the state of emergency for another six months,’ the statement said.

Elections cannot be held under a state of emergency, so long-promised polls the junta has said will be held in 2025 will not take place until the second half of the year at the earliest.

Min Aung Hlaing told the ruling council that ‘peace and stability is still needed’ before the state of emergency can be lifted and polls held.

Critics and Western governments have said that any elections held under the auspices of the junta will be neither free nor fair.

The military seized power after making unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in 2020 elections which Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy won in a landslide.

It has extended the state of emergency multiple times since as it battles established ethnic minority armed groups and newer pro-democracy ‘People’s Defence Forces’.

More than 6,000 civilians have been killed since the coup, and more than 20,000 arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners onitoring group.

On Thursday the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar said serious international crimes had been committed in the four years since the coup.

The conflict has forced more than 3.5 million people to flee their homes, while an estimated 19.9 million people — or more than a third of Myanmar’s population — will need humanitarian aid in 2025, according to the UN.

Earlier this month, foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional bloc urged the junta to prioritise a ceasefire in the conflict over holding elections.

ASEAN has led international efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis but, despite multiple meetings and declarations, has made no substantial progress.​

 

[Saif]

MYANMAR’S CRISIS: Regional threat, strategic response

MYANMAR’S ongoing civil war has reached a critical point, with the rise of ethnic armed organisations significantly altering the balance of power in the country. Among these groups, the Arakan Army has gained substantial control over Rakhine State, capturing key border areas near Bangladesh...

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MYANMAR’S CRISIS: Regional threat, strategic response
MA Hossain 04 February, 2025, 00:00

The photograph shows a view of the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar. | Agence France-Presse/Munir uz Zaman

MYANMAR’S ongoing civil war has reached a critical point, with the rise of ethnic armed organisations significantly altering the balance of power in the country. Among these groups, the Arakan Army has gained substantial control over Rakhine State, capturing key border areas near Bangladesh. This shift in power has further complicated the already dire situation of the Rohingya, who remain stateless, persecuted, and caught between conflicting forces. As Myanmar’s political and military landscape continues to evolve, the crisis has transformed into a regional security concern, extending beyond its borders to impact neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

For years, Bangladesh has struggled to find a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis, relying primarily on diplomatic efforts that have yielded little success. Myanmar’s junta has consistently stalled negotiations, using misinformation and leveraging its relationships with China, Russia, and India to avoid accountability. Given these challenges, it is now essential for Bangladesh to move beyond its traditional reactive approach and adopt a proactive strategy that secures diplomatic, economic, and military leverage. A well-coordinated plan will enable Bangladesh to pressure Myanmar’s actors into meaningful negotiations while ensuring regional stability and safeguarding its national interests.

Myanmar’s internal conflict and the Rohingya dilemma

MYANMAR’S political landscape has been in turmoil since the military coup in 2021, which led to widespread resistance against the junta. Various EAOs, including the AA, have gained ground, seizing control of multiple regions and significantly weakening the military government. The AA’s dominance in Rakhine State has been particularly noteworthy, as it has captured strategic locations, including Maungdaw and Taungup townships, both of which border Bangladesh. The fall of Ann, the headquarters of the junta’s Western Military Command, further demonstrated the shifting power dynamics in the region.

Despite these changes, the fate of the Rohingya remains uncertain. Historically, the Rohingya have faced persecution from Myanmar’s military, culminating in the 2017 crisis that forced over a million of them to flee to Bangladesh. While the AA has positioned itself as a defender of Rakhine’s autonomy, its stance on the Rohingya remains ambiguous. There have been reports of hostilities against Rohingya civilians, sometimes as a result of the junta’s strategic manipulations. Additionally, the use of derogatory language, such as referring to the Rohingya as ‘Bengali Muslims,’ signals that discriminatory attitudes persist.

The Rohingya are now in an increasingly precarious position. Forced conscription by the junta, accusations of affiliation with armed groups like the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, and growing hostility from the AA have further marginalised them. Without a clear framework for their repatriation and protection, their status remains in limbo, making a resolution to the crisis even more urgent.

Bangladesh’s strategic approach

BANGLADESH has long sought a peaceful resolution to the Rohingya crisis, but its efforts have been repeatedly undermined by Myanmar’s unwillingness to engage in meaningful negotiations. Myanmar has successfully used diplomatic cover from China, Russia, and India to delay repatriation efforts while continuing to receive political and economic support. Given these circumstances, it is imperative for Bangladesh to shift its strategy from passive diplomacy to one that establishes firm leverage over Myanmar.

The new approach should be built on three key pillars: diplomatic engagement with ASEAN, policy-driven advocacy, and strategic military preparedness. By strengthening regional alliances, utilising research-based arguments, and reinforcing its defence capabilities, Bangladesh can create a position of strength that forces Myanmar to take repatriation efforts seriously.

Building regional alliances with ASEAN

ONE of the most effective ways for Bangladesh to gain leverage over Myanmar is by solidifying its ties with ASEAN nations. Historically, ASEAN has been divided over Myanmar’s crisis, with some member states favouring diplomatic engagement while others have advocated for stricter measures. However, Bangladesh has the opportunity to bridge these divisions by presenting the Rohingya crisis as a regional security threat rather than just a humanitarian issue.

By engaging directly with ASEAN leaders, Bangladesh can highlight the broader implications of instability in Rakhine State. The ongoing conflict poses risks such as transnational crime, arms trafficking, and potential extremist recruitment, which could affect countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By framing the crisis as a shared security concern, Bangladesh can push for a unified ASEAN stance that increases diplomatic pressure on Myanmar’s military and the AA.

A united ASEAN front would make it more difficult for Myanmar’s allies, particularly China and Russia, to continue supporting the junta without facing international backlash. China, which has significant investments in Myanmar’s Belt and Road Initiative, values stability in the region. If ASEAN collectively demands action, Beijing may be compelled to reconsider its position, thus weakening Myanmar’s ability to stall negotiations.

Policy advocacy and data-driven diplomacy

WHILE diplomatic efforts lay the foundation for engagement, Bangladesh must also reinforce its position through rigorous, data-driven policy advocacy. Collaborating with ASEAN-aligned think tanks and research institutions can provide concrete evidence of the economic, security, and humanitarian consequences of the Rohingya crisis.

Research efforts should focus on three critical areas. First, documenting human rights violations committed by both the junta and the AA will create stronger international pressure for a rights-based resolution. Second, assessing the economic impact of instability in Rakhine can demonstrate how disrupted trade routes and declining cross-border investments affect regional economies. Finally, analysing security threats related to stateless Rohingya populations can highlight the risks of radicalisation and criminal exploitation, making a compelling case for ASEAN intervention.

By shifting the narrative from a humanitarian plea to a policy-backed security concern, Bangladesh can strengthen its diplomatic engagements and build a broader coalition of support. This approach will also help counter Myanmar’s misinformation campaigns, ensuring that the international community remains aligned with Bangladesh’s objectives.

Military readiness and strategic defence cooperation

ALTHOUGH diplomacy should remain the primary tool for engagement, Bangladesh must also prepare for potential security challenges along its border with Myanmar. The increasing volatility in Rakhine State, coupled with the AA’s rising confidence, necessitates a visible and well-coordinated military presence.

Bangladesh can enhance its strategic position by participating in joint military exercises with ASEAN nations that share concerns over Myanmar’s instability. Strengthening defence ties with countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand can send a strong message to Myanmar’s actors, particularly the AA, that regional forces are closely monitoring the situation.

Additionally, Bangladesh can leverage provisions of the US BURMA Act, which authorises support for resistance groups opposing Myanmar’s military junta. While direct military involvement is not an option, utilising available resources for border security and intelligence-sharing can help Bangladesh maintain a strong defensive posture. A visible military presence along the border will also serve as a deterrent, discouraging any spillover of violence into Bangladesh’s territory.

Global implications and the role of major powers

THE Rohingya crisis is not just a bilateral issue between Bangladesh and Myanmar — it has far-reaching geopolitical implications. China, Russia and India have played significant roles in shaping Myanmar’s political landscape, often prioritising strategic interests over human rights concerns. But one crucial aspect overlooked by all stakeholders is that these Rohingya refugee camps could become breeding grounds for transnational terrorist organisations. These vulnerable populations are under the hawkish eyes of international terrorist organisations seeking to exploit them.

China, in particular, has deep economic stakes in Myanmar, including infrastructure projects linked to the BRI. While Beijing has traditionally backed the junta, a unified ASEAN stance could force it to reassess its position. Similarly, Russia’s military support to Myanmar may become increasingly difficult to justify if international pressure mounts. India, balancing its interests between countering China’s influence and maintaining regional stability, may also reconsider its approach.

For Bangladesh, the challenge lies in navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics while securing commitments for Rohingya repatriation. Strengthening alliances with Western nations, particularly the United States and European Union, could provide additional diplomatic leverage. Furthermore, advocating for an UN-monitored safe zone in Rakhine may be a viable solution to ensure that returning Rohingya populations are protected from further persecution.

By leveraging international support, engaging in multilateral negotiations, and maintaining strategic pressure on Myanmar, Bangladesh can push for a sustainable solution. Bangladesh must also assert its sovereignty while upholding humanitarian principles, ensuring that Myanmar fulfils its responsibility to reintegrate the Rohingyas into their homeland.

Conclusion

THE crisis in Myanmar has entered a new phase, with the AA’s growing influence reshaping governance in Rakhine State. While this shift presents challenges, it also offers Bangladesh an opportunity to recalibrate its strategy and assert greater control over the diplomatic process.

Moving beyond reactive diplomacy, Bangladesh must secure the strategic high ground by strengthening regional alliances, utilising research-driven policy advocacy, and reinforcing military preparedness. By framing the Rohingya crisis as a regional security issue rather than just a humanitarian concern, Bangladesh can shift the balance of power and force Myanmar’s actors into meaningful negotiations.

There should be continuous efforts for empowering Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to develop leadership skills, assert their rights, and facilitate repatriation efforts. A proactive, multi-dimensional approach will not only facilitate Rohingya repatriation but also ensure long-term regional stability, positioning Bangladesh as a key diplomatic force in South Asia.

M A Hossain is a political and defence analyst based in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

To solve the Rohingya crisis, we must address the root causes

The Rohingya crisis continues to mystify everyone with its uncertainties.

www.thedailystar.net

To solve the Rohingya crisis, we must address the root causes

The world seems to have forgotten the Rohingya people and their persistent suffering in Myanmar. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

The Rohingya crisis continues to mystify everyone with its uncertainties. In 2017, close to a million Rohingya people took refuge in Bangladesh over a period of only one month after a most brutal genocide and violent exodus in recent history. The influx of refugees continued in October-December 2024 due to the rise in armed conflicts between various armed groups and the military junta, as well as the impacts of the long-running brutal civil war inside Myanmar. Amid this, the Rohingya in Cox's Bazar refugee camps still hope to return to their homes in northern Rakhine—their old heartland in Myanmar.

The renewed violence has worsened the already precarious situation in Cox's Bazar camps. Last year alone, according to one source, armed groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), and the Arakan Army (AA) recruited an estimated 5,000 men from the camps in Cox's Bazar to fight against the Myanmar military. The radicalisation inside the camps, the increase in criminal gang activities, the targeted killing of camp leaders by opposing militant groups, and the continued cycle of violence have led to a significant deterioration of safety among the Rohingya refugees. To add to this, the renewed fighting between these armed rebel groups and the Myanmar junta has further pushed back any potential repatriation plan due to the lack of peace and stability inside Myanmar.

Given this situation, can we ever find a viable solution to the Rohingya crisis? Is there any pathway to resolve the crisis with accountability and justice for all? And who will find it?

To do this, we need to look back and understand Rohingya history. The armed struggles inside Myanmar and the demand for Rohingya autonomy and rights clearly establish that the crisis is not just a current humanitarian issue but also a political one, long rooted in Arakan's history. In recent weeks, the AA has taken full control of 14 out of 17 townships, including Maungdaw near Teknaf, from the Myanmar military junta. Armed fighting still continues to capture the remaining government-held territories in Rakhine. In the process, many coerced Rohingya conscripts to the Myanmar Army have been killed or captured, further entangling the displaced people in a war they did not initiate. Any resolution of the crisis must understand and address both the political and humanitarian aspects.

Many people tend to think that the Rohingya crisis is a 21st-century issue. On the contrary, it encapsulates centuries of historical marginalisation, ethnic conflict, and geopolitical intricacies. The Rohingya have a 200-year history, starting from the violent occupation of the Arakan dynasty in 1784, which gradually evolved during the pre- and post-colonial periods in Burma. Their identity has been under sustained attack by the military and the Buddhist civilian majority through genocidal campaigns aimed at erasing their shared history and culture over the years. The 1974 constitution and the census that preceded it marked the clearest breaking point when "Rohingya" was replaced with "Indian or Pakistani" and later by "Bengali" among "non-indigenous or foreign races." This was followed by the adoption of the discriminatory Citizenship Act of 1982. The decades of brutal oppression that followed forced many Rohingya to flee the country over the past 40 years. Today, four out of every five Rohingya live as refugees in countries across the region and around the world. Those still inside Myanmar are in camps in Buthidaung and Maungdaw or under military surveillance.

The magnitude and duration of this crisis require a comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes, an assessment of humanitarian interventions, and an examination of avenues for justice and reconciliation. Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the regional and international communities must address the root causes of the Myanmar crisis, including the long-standing discrimination and statelessness faced by the Rohingya. Any measures short of that would not be sufficient to resolve the crisis and facilitate the return of the Rohingya to their homeland.

The world seems to have forgotten the Rohingya people and their crisis. The terrible genocide and ethnic cleansing happened in 2017, coincidentally the year US President Donald Trump took office for the first time. It is now the ninth year of this conflict, resulting from long-running battles between the Myanmar military and the anti-regime AA and other armed groups. The Myanmar military's continued violence grossly undermines the rule of law and the rights of the people recognised by international bodies and conventions for refugee populations. International sanctions and other measures by Canada, the US, the EU, and others against the Myanmar military junta have failed to deliver the intended outcomes.

Many international rights groups, including Amnesty International, have long demanded that the top generals in the Myanmar army be investigated for their roles in the genocides committed against the Rohingya and the people of Myanmar. The recent International Criminal Court (ICC) ruling for an arrest warrant for General Min Aung Hlaing, based on the historic case brought by The Gambia, seems to have had no traction at all. If the international community, including the US, is serious about resolving the Rohingya crisis, it should move beyond statements and sanctions. Myanmar generals must be held accountable for the Rohingya genocide, but who will make that call?

The regional implications of the crisis are already evident from the recent emergency meeting held in Bangkok in December 2024, attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Laos, and Cambodia to review the current situation in Myanmar, leading to a global conference on the Rohingya later this year. As evident from occasional dialogues and visits by army officials, Bangladesh's interim government is focused on repatriation as the primary solution, including creating a "safe zone" for the Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state under UN supervision. This approach will be doomed without due attention to the absence of rights, including citizenship rights and the need for return with dignity and honor. The Bangladesh government is also trying to maintain informal contacts with the AA for potential support and resolution of the crisis, which should be encouraged and quietly expanded.

While the repatriation of refugees is urgently needed to reduce the long-endured burden on Bangladesh, the government should work more closely with countries having significant influence on Myanmar—for instance, India, China, Korea, Singapore, and Japan—to apply pressure to ensure accountability and to provide local autonomy for the Rohingya in the Rakhine state, aimed at creating conditions for their return with dignity and rights. The US government should also support efforts to hold Myanmar's military leaders accountable through the ICC. The second Trump administration has an opportunity to reflect on its past policies and take bold steps towards a more just and lasting solution. The Rohingya crisis and displacement should be of concern due to the strategic security interests of the US in the Southeast Asia region.

What is required now is to keep the global focus alive on the Rohingya crisis to find a durable solution. The international community must also increase humanitarian aid and assistance to support the refugees and improve living conditions and rights in the refugee camps in Bangladesh. The Rohingya people have been waiting and watching the indifference and inaction of the world for years. They are hoping for an early, safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation.

Dr Mohammad Zaman is a development and resettlement specialist. He is editor, with co-editors Robert Anderson and Kawser Ahmed, of 'The Rohingya Stories: History and Geopolitics in a Multipolar World' (forthcoming, Springer, 2025).​

 

[Saif]

Myanmar junta bans possible conscripts from foreign travel

Myanmar’s embattled junta has banned anyone eligible for military conscription from leaving the country without permission, as it seeks to shore up its forces fighting rebel groups opposed to its rule.

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Myanmar junta bans possible conscripts from foreign travel

Myanmar's embattled junta has banned anyone eligible for military conscription from leaving the country without permission, as it seeks to shore up its forces fighting rebel groups opposed to its rule.

The junta has lost control of swathes of the country to ethnic minority armed groups and other opposition forces in the civil war triggered by its coup d'etat four years ago.

A long-dormant conscription law was enforced last year as the army reeled from a string of battlefield defeats to ethnic armed groups and civilian "People's Defence Forces" seeking to oust it from power.

A bylaw passed late last month that has only just come to light imposes new restrictions on those eligible to be called up -- men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27.

"The person who receives the order shall not be allowed to leave for foreign countries without obtaining the permission of the Central Body," section 51 of the bylaw says.

The rule applies to those who have been called up and also those waiting for the outcome of appeals for exemption, reduction, or postponement of military service.​

 

[Saif]

Myanmar junta bid to sell Suu Kyi mansion flops for third time

Real estate agents say similar-sized properties in upmarket Yangon areas might fetch $1 million to $2 million

en.prothomalo.com

Myanmar junta bid to sell Suu Kyi mansion flops for third time
AFP
Yangon
Published: 05 Feb 2025, 11: 52

A woman stands outside the gates of the family house of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon on 5 February, 2025, during an attempt to sell the lakeside mansion AFP

Myanmar’s junta failed in its attempt to auction Aung San Suu Kyi’s lakeside mansion on Wednesday, with no bids submitted for the former democracy leader’s home—the third time the sale has flopped.

The two-storey Yangon house, with about 0.8 hectares (1.9 acres) of land, was put up for sale with a minimum price of $140 million following a decades-long dispute over the property between the Nobel laureate and her brother.

Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest at the mansion under a former junta, has been detained since the military seized power once again in February 2021.

Around a dozen journalists, watched over by security personnel in plain clothes, attended the kerbside sale outside the colonial-era house on leafy University Avenue, a few doors from the US embassy.

After calling for bids starting from 297 billion kyats—around $140 million at the official exchange rate—and getting no response, the auctioneer called off the sale, AFP reporters at the scene saw.

“I announce the auction is not successful after calling for bids three times,” the auctioneer said.

Similar auctions failed in March and August last year.

With Myanmar’s economy shattered by the civil war triggered by the military coup, it is unclear who in the country would be in a position to spend $140 million on a single, increasingly dilapidated property.

Real estate agents say similar-sized properties in upmarket Yangon areas might fetch $1 million to $2 million.

The house holds a special place in Myanmar history—Suu Kyi was confined within its crumbling walls for around 15 years after shooting to fame during huge demonstrations against the then-junta in 1988.

Cut off from her husband and children in England, Suu Kyi spent time playing the piano, reading detective novels and meditating as her status as a democracy leader grew.

Hundreds of people would regularly gather on the pavement outside to hear her talk about democracy and fighting military rule through non-violence.

After her release in 2010 she lived on in the villa, receiving a string of foreign leaders, including then US president Barack Obama, journalists and diplomats.

Suu Kyi, 79, is serving a 27-year prison sentence on charges ranging from corruption to not respecting Covid-19 pandemic restrictions—charges rights groups say are a junta sham designed to eliminate her politically.​

 

[RayKalm]

 

[Saif]

US fund cuts will worsen the Rohingya crisis

The world must not ignore their plight

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US fund cuts will worsen the Rohingya crisis
The world must not ignore their plight

VISUAL: STAR

We are deeply concerned about the US government's recent executive order suspending aid funding worldwide, which will further exacerbate the Rohingya crisis. According to a report, the impact is already evident in the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas. While the World Food Programme's emergency food assistance—supported by the US—continues, at least five US-funded hospitals have suspended operations. Waste management and landfill activities have also ceased. This will significantly affect the Rohingya, limiting their access to healthcare and worsening their already dire living conditions.

The US has long been the largest donor for the Rohingya humanitarian response. According to the UN, out of the $852.4 million required for the Rohingya in 2024, the US contributed $301 million—55 percent of the total $548.9 million provided by foreign donors last year. Therefore, its suspension of funding is bound to have disastrous consequences. If support for World Health Organization and the vaccine alliance GAVI is also halted, the Rohingya will further struggle to access critical medical care and life-saving vaccines, especially for women and children. Although the Trump administration is currently reviewing all overseas funds and projects before making any final decisions, the uncertainty is already affecting nearly 100 projects in Bangladesh—worth $450 million last year—as well as the development professionals involved, who have been asked to stay home without work.

This crisis comes amid concerns over renewed conflict in Myanmar, which has forced around 80,000 more Rohingya to seek refuge in Bangladesh since August, adding to the staggering 1.2 million already residing here. Since foreign aid for the Rohingya has been on the decline for several years now due to conflicts in other parts of the world, Bangladesh as a host has already been in a tight spot. A recent RMMRU study painted a grim picture of living conditions in the camps, highlighting gender-based violence and security concerns. With each refugee receiving only Tk 16 per day, many have been forced into informal labour or even criminal activities. The US fund cuts will only worsen their plight and complicate efforts to manage the crisis.

As we have reiterated many times before, the Rohingya crisis is a global issue, so Bangladesh cannot be expected to bear this burden alone. The international community must step up to support them. Since the US provided humanitarian aid to the Rohingya even during Donald Trump's previous tenure, we urge the US administration to continue this support in the interest of humanity. The global community must also take concrete steps to resolve the crisis and ensure safe repatriation of the Rohingya to their homeland.​

 

[Saif]

Forced juvenile crimes in Rohingya camps is a security threat

Young boys in the camp are targeted by adult criminal groups and forced to do and continue crimes.

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Forced juvenile crimes in Rohingya camps is a security threat

Children in Rohingya camps grow up in small and crowded shelters with a lack of necessary facilities, with only minimal food and inadequate access to water and sanitation. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), adopted in 1989, defined the child as "Any human being under the age of eighteen unless the age of majority is attained earlier under national legislation. Nations that have ratified this convention or have acceded to it are bound by international law." This definition is applicable not just to citizens of a country but also to refugees.

In August 2017, over 773,000 Rohingya, including 400,000 children, crossed the border and arrived in Cox's Bazar district. Still, 600,000 Rohingya are living in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. As of March 31, 2024, there are 978,003 stateless Rohingya living in 203,204 families across 33 crowded makeshift camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas. A total of 107,736 boys and 103,516 girls between 5-11 years, and 70,812 boys and 66,217 girls from age 12-17 years live in the camps.

Young boys in the camp are targeted by adult criminal groups and forced to do and continue crimes. They are forced to get involved in intra-gang conflicts, gunfights, murders, theft, snatching of food rations, robbery, toll-collection from shops, online gambling, arsons in camps, attacks, sexual harassment, human trafficking, prostitution, smuggling, peddling, use of drugs and many other types of criminal activities. The camps are very unsafe at night, especially for girls and women. Victims' family members usually do not disclose or report the incidents of rape and gang rape due to fear of social stigma. Forced marriage is another form of torture. If a boy belonging to a criminal group takes an interest in a girl, he and his gang force her family members to arrange the marriage. However, boys also face sexual harassment by gang members.

Children in Rohingya camps grow up in small and crowded shelters with a lack of necessary facilities with only minimal food, inadequate access to water and sanitation, limited mental health support, inadequate opportunities for education, and insufficient open space for recreational activities. Frustration and helplessness of young boys are being exploited by various armed groups, such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), and the Munna Gang. These groups are accused of abducting people for ransom, forced marriage, and recruiting children for armed practices. Young boys and girls also fall for tempting promises like better jobs in the capital, migration to Malaysia, or even a smart phone. Gradually, crimes increase in the camps and the surrounding host community.

These events are not independent of the Rohingya refugee crisis. It is a socio-political challenge for Bangladesh. The host community is against the local integration of Rohingya refugees. They argue that Bangladesh is a small country with slow economic progress. Moreover, the Rohingya people will pose threats to security and peace in South Asia and Asian regions, they add.

Therefore, the preventive efforts for juvenile crimes in Rohingya refugee camps need to be comprehensive at the policy and practice levels. Integrated strategies and engagement by key stakeholders—like UN bodies, global political leaders, international development agencies, the government of Bangladesh, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society—are urgently required for the wellbeing of Rohingya children and to reduce security threats in Bangladesh and other countries.

Since Bangladesh is a signatory to the UNCRC and other relevant legal instruments, international bindings should be addressed in laws relating to child rights. Besides, the jurisdiction of the special tribunal (formed under the Special Powers Act) should not extend to children in conflict with the law. To ensure this, an amendment of the law is recommended. Also, the office of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission (RRRC) should take initiatives for the dissemination of existing policies and awareness building in refugee camps with the extensive support of NGOs. Law enforcement agencies and the Camp-in-Charge (CiC) office should jointly identify juvenile gangs with the support of Majhi (headman), religious leaders, and youth groups, with assistance from the UNHCR to access their database. Law enforcement agencies must also increase vigilance to stop the recruitment of young boys into criminal gangs.

Additionally, international development agencies should increase programmes to provide psychosocial support, education, life skill development, vocational training, sports, and recreational activities through effective community engagement. There should be discussions about juvenile crimes and their demerits with the participation of community members. Parenting sessions and block-based sharing meetings must be arranged. Regional forums, such as SAARC, ASEAN, and the ASEAN Economic Committee, can be leveraged to solve the Rohingya refugee crisis and ensure their safe repatriation to Myanmar. Besides, diplomatic relations should be enhanced between Bangladesh, China, and India to exert pressure on Myanmar for the repatriation of Rohingya with dignity and to find a sustainable solution.

Dr Mohammed Mamun Rashid is development professional and adjunct faculty member of a renowned private university in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

UN Secretary General pledges to work for political solution to Rohingya crisis

In a letter to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged to work with all stakeholders towards a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar, including creating conditions conducive to the safe and voluntary return of the Ro

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

UN Secretary General pledges to work for political solution to Rohingya crisis
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Feb 26, 2025 19:45
Updated :
Feb 26, 2025 19:45

In a letter to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged to work with all stakeholders towards a political solution to the crisis in Myanmar, including creating conditions conducive to the safe and voluntary return of the Rohingya to Rakhine.

He also assured that the United Nations will continue to mobilise the international community to support Bangladesh as a host to the Rohingya.

Mr Guterres, who is set to visit Bangladesh from 13 to 16 March, also reiterated ‘the strong solidarity of the United Nations with Bangladesh and our support for the transition process under your leadership’.

“I share your concerns regarding the impact of the Rohingya crisis on Bangladesh and the region, as well as the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine,” the UN secretary general said.

He also assured the chief advisor of continuing to exercise his good offices, including through his Special Envoy on the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, to work closely with ASEAN and other regional actors and stakeholders in ensuring a political solution.

“I have requested my senior managers to provide guidance to the United Nations Country Teams in Bangladesh and Myanmar on how we can maximise humanitarian aid and livelihood support to communities in Rakhine,” the letter reads.

The United Nations will prioritise engagement on this issue, including through the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, to enable safe, rapid, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar, Mr Guterres added.

“I am hopeful that the High-level Conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar will be an opportunity to galvanise renewed global attention and contribute to developing a wider range of solutions for Rohingya and other minorities. We await the agreed outcomes and plans for the Conference, following Member State consultations, to understand how the United Nations system can best support the process” he added.​

 

[Saif]

Make int’l meet on Rohingya a success

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday called for making the upcoming international conference on the Rohingya crisis a big success to bring back focus on the decades-long humanitarian tragedy and mobilise more support for the long-persecuted Myanmar minority.

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Make int’l meet on Rohingya a success
Yunus tells UNHCR chief

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi at a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: PID

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday called for making the upcoming international conference on the Rohingya crisis a big success to bring back focus on the decades-long humanitarian tragedy and mobilise more support for the long-persecuted Myanmar minority.

He made the call when Filippo Grandi, head of UN High Commissioner for the Refugees, called on him at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, according to the press wing of the Chief Adviser's Office.

"Let's make it a big success. Let's hope something concrete comes out of it," Yunus said.

"Let's put this issue on the map. The UN conference is a great way to put it back on the table," Grandi said, referring to the Rohingya crisis.

"We are happy to work with you," he said, hoping that the visit of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in mid-March would create a new momentum for the issue.

Earlier, Grandi, who is on a five-day visit to Bangladesh, called on Touhid Hossain, adviser to the foreign ministry, at the latter's office. He also had a meeting with Home Adviser Jahangir Alam.

The advisers highlighted the important role of UNHCR and international community in resolving the Rohingya crisis. They urged the UNHCR to seek alternative funding sources from donor agencies and development partners.​

 

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Govt engaging with Arakan Army

Bangladesh is maintaining contact with the Arakan Army (AA), which has occupied some 90 percent of Rakhine State, for the sake of protecting the country’s border and Rohingya repatriation, said Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser’s high representative on the Rohingya issue.

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Govt engaging with Arakan Army
Says CA’s representative on Rohingya issue

Bangladesh is maintaining contact with the Arakan Army (AA), which has occupied some 90 percent of Rakhine State, for the sake of protecting the country's border and Rohingya repatriation, said Khalilur Rahman, the chief adviser's high representative on the Rohingya issue.

"The day the AA raised its flag on our border, I instantly realised it's a new world -- you got to deal with them," he said at a seminar yesterday on the situation in Rakhine and implications for Bangladesh.

The seminar was organised by the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at the North South University premises.

Myanmar has been in civil war since the military coup that ousted the democratic government in February 2021.

The National Unity Government, the shadow government formed by the political leaders, and dozens of other ethnic groups, have been fighting the junta since then.

The AA, which seeks autonomy in Rakhine, controls the entire 271-kilometre-long border with Bangladesh and more than a million Rohingyas fled that state to Bangladesh.

"Mind you, this is our border and we have to protect, make it secure and make sure that we work in collaboration with whoever is on the other side. We reached out to them at a certain level," Rahman said.

Before that, he held a meeting with Julie Bishop, the UN secretary general's special envoy on Myanmar, over drafting a statement for the UN secretary general to the AA.

The statement communicated that the AA has to respect international human rights principles and abide by international laws.

At the seminar, Rahman also said, "A new neighbour is emerging and Bangladesh wants to be friendly with them and not dominate them. This is our only land border outside of our border with India. It is also in our national interest to reach out to them. We can begin the process of building trust, building confidence and lay the basis of longtime friendly relations."

He said he made it very clear that Bangladesh does not have any pipeline through Rakhine or any transit projects through Rakhine.

Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to the chief adviser on defence and national solidarity development, said diplomacy, backed by strategic deterrence based on a national consensus, is critical to protecting national interests.

He underscored Bangladesh's priority of ensuring safe, dignified and voluntary Rohingya repatriation.

Keynote speaker Ambassador Md Sufiur Rahman, a senior research fellow at SIPG, provided an analytical overview of the shifting political landscape in Rakhine.

He highlighted that 750,000 people have been displaced from Rakhine and that poverty in Rakhine has ascended to alarming levels.

He believes Bangladesh can play a pivotal stabilising role by providing humanitarian support and strengthening economic ties between Chittagong and Rakhine.

"Economic linkages can serve as a pathway to broader cooperation and peacebuilding," he said, while suggesting leveraging this to secure a peaceful border and a friendly neighbour.

Sk Tawfique M Haque, director of SIPG, urged a pragmatic policy toward the AA by recognising the fast-evolving situation in Rakhine and stopping the slow and silent influx of Rohingya Refugees since October 2023.

Bangladesh should balance security concerns with economic and diplomatic goals, he added.​

 

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Resolving the Rohingya crisis: Does Bangladesh need to shift gear?

Bangladesh should explore all possible options to revive the discussion on resolving the Rohingya crisis.

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Resolving the Rohingya crisis: Does Bangladesh need to shift gear?

Rohingya refugees cross a bamboo-made bridge in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, on May 2, 2024. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Recent developments in Myanmar, tensions at the Bangladesh-Myanmar and Bangladesh-India borders, and even the return of Donald Trump as president in the US have dramatically affected geopolitics in the South Asian region. While 64,718 Rohingya entered Bangladesh in 2024, according to the foreign ministry, and they continue to enter Bangladesh in small groups every day, according to the Rohingya living in the camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh needs to shift gear from talking about repatriation and start focusing on finding ways to stop the influx.

Based on the recent domestic political changes in Bangladesh, as well as the global changes, some questions arise in this regard. For one, when there is no instance of strict border closure in the past, can we hope that Bangladesh will be able to stop the (ir)regular small- and large-scale influxes of the Rohingya people? Also, since the country has not been able to successfully repatriate the Rohingya after the 2017 exodus, is it considering better alternatives to repatriation? While the foreign ministry considers the Arakan Army (AA) as a "non-state actor," Bangladesh has, on occasions, been in contact with the AA. Has the government done enough homework on how to engage with the AA, if necessary?

The Awami League government did not focus on formulating the country's own legal instruments, such as a national policy, regarding the Rohingya issue. What about the interim government? Has it started developing a national refugee policy or a national policy for the Rohingya? With the emergence of "Arakan" in Rakhine, now controlled by the Arakan Army, have all the stakeholders in Bangladesh reached a consensus on what strategies to adopt to deal with the situation? Indeed, questions abound. However, at present, it is important to understand the motives and motivations of the AA.

Strangely, a fake message claiming AA asked Bangladesh for help was circulated by some individuals without realising the damages it might cause. Some speculate that the supply chain for AA's daily essentials may be linked to Bangladesh. The Myanmar junta may cut the internal supply chain anytime. Relying completely on India for a long time is surely not prudent because of the costs involved with it. This may make AA somewhat dependent on Bangladesh. Yet, because of their strength in arms and planning, they have reasons to create a fearful and threatening environment at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, which is now under their control.

But at the same time, it is necessary to have experts and others study the nature of AA and its background characteristics to deal with them.

Let's consider the AA's statement, "We recognise the human rights and citizen rights of the Rohingyas" (by Maj Gen Twan Mrat Naing). It may seem quite promising, but the fact is, in less than three years after making this statement in an interview with Bangladeshi journalists, they appeared before the Rohingya people in Rakhine as an equally brutal entity as the Tatmadaw. As a result, the 2024 influx took place.

Despite the negative sides, AA knows that it may have to rely on Bangladesh to maintain the supply chain for their survival. In the past, Bangladesh failed to seize this opportunity to start negotiations on the Rohingya issue. Will it now leap into action, or keep waiting for "the right time" to raise the issue? Realistically, there is no such thing as "the right time" when it comes to the situation of refugees like the Rohingya. It is all about protecting the human rights of over a million stateless people and saving Bangladesh from irreparable social, economic, and environmental damage.

It is not difficult to understand that the Rohingya issue may destabilise the entire region of South Asia. This is known to the global community as well. But we must remember, all superpowers, no matter how friendly they are with Bangladesh, have their investments in Myanmar. China and India have their own geopolitical and geo-economic interests in Rakhine, which dictate their policies for the region. Regional platforms may also remain passive. And the UN has so far been ineffective at doing anything to help Bangladesh resolve the crisis. So what other options are available to us?

There does not seem to be any practical alternative to meeting the AA with a strategic agenda. Engaging with a non-state actor is not an endorsement. And engaging with the AA may not even be enough to break the stalemate. It alone does not guarantee success. Engaging with other national, regional, and international actors simultaneously is necessary to bring the AA to the negotiating table.

Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana is assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Sociology at North South University (NSU).

Dr Sk Tawfique M Haque is professor and Director of the South Asian Institute of Policy of Governance (SIPG) at NSU.​

 

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Arakan Army returns 29 Bangladeshi fishermen taken from Naf River

Twenty-nine Bangladeshi fishermen who were taken by Myanmar's Arakan Army, were returned by the group after a week. The fishermen were brought back to Bangladesh on Thursday through the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf. "The 29 fishermen, who were taken by the Arakan Army while fishing in the N

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Arakan Army returns 29 Bangladeshi fishermen taken from Naf River
UNB
Published :
Feb 27, 2025 22:34
Updated :
Feb 27, 2025 22:34

Twenty-nine Bangladeshi fishermen who were taken by Myanmar's Arakan Army, were returned by the group after a week.

The fishermen were brought back to Bangladesh on Thursday through the jetty at Shah Porir Dwip in Teknaf.

"The 29 fishermen, who were taken by the Arakan Army while fishing in the Naf River, have been brought back. Their health is being checked, and after the necessary procedures, they will be handed over to their families," said Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sheikh Ehsan Uddin.

The return was facilitated by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), who assisted in ensuring their safe passage back to the country.

Ten of the returning fishermen were identified as Md. Kala Mia (37), Md. Nurul Alam (39), Abdul Rahman (19), Md. Abul Kalam Ahmed (29), Md. Lalu (11), Md. Kabir Ahmed (43), Mohammad Yunus (23), Nurul Islam (34), Md. Lutfor Rahman (23), and Rahim Ullah (21). All are residents of Shah Porir Dwip, Majherpara. The names of the remaining fishermen were yet to be known.

According to local authorities, the group of 29 fishermen, who had accidentally crossed the border while fishing on February 11 and 20, were held by the Arakan Army. The fishermen had been aboard six motorised boats when they were captured by the group.​

 

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Arakan Army taking 'tariff' from border trade

On December 8 last year, the Arakan Army announced that it had seized control of the 271-kilometer border shared by Bangladesh and Myanmar after seizing a Border Guard Police’s (BGP) base in Rakhine State.

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Arakan Army taking 'tariff' from border trade
Home adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirms

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Photo: Collected

Speculation over the Arakan Army's demand for "tariff" from the border trade between Bangladesh and Myanmar was confirmed by Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday.

At a briefing at the Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner's office following discussions with home and agriculture ministry officials, he elaborated on the scenario.

Replying to a question, he said, "First there is the Myanmar government which collects taxes for goods coming in from Sittwe. But, since the border is controlled by the Arakan Army, they too collect taxes. This is a difficult situation. A senior representative has been appointed to address the issue," he said.

He said Khalilur Rahman, special assistant to the chief adviser (equivalent to state minister), has been appointed as the liaison in this regard.

Chowdhury added that the government is maintaining communications with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army.

This is the first time a high-ranking government representative has publicly acknowledged the Arakan Army's intentions in a briefing with journalists.

On December 8 last year, the Arakan Army announced that it had seized control of the 271-kilometer border shared by Bangladesh and Myanmar after seizing a Border Guard Police's (BGP) base in Rakhine State.

In a statement, it imposed an indefinite ban on vessel movement in the Arakan waters of the Naf River. Since then, no cargo ships have arrived in Teknaf.

Businessmen based in Teknaf land port, on condition of anonymity, alleged that the Arakan Army was detaining cargo ships and demanding payments.

On January 16, the Arakan Army intercepted three cargo vessels, en route from Yangon to Teknaf, in the Naikhongdia area of the Naf River estuary. Four days later, two vessels were released, while the third was freed on February 1.

Most recently, on February 10, the Arakan Army chased down a timber-laden trawler near Golar Chor in Shah Porir Island using speedboats and seized it. The vessel has not yet been released.

Jasim Uddin, general manager of United Land Port in Teknaf, which is commonly known as Teknaf land port, said the last boat arrived at the port on February 1 after being released by the Arakan Army.

"It has been one month since there has been trade between Myanmar and Bangladesh through Teknaf Land Port," he said.

He also mentioned that the boat which arrived on February 1 is still at the port as they are unwilling to return to Yangon due to security concerns.

A businessman from Teknaf, who frequently imports goods from Myanmar, said on condition of anonymity that the Arakan Army released the three seized boats after it received the same amount of money that was paid as tax to the Myanmar government.

The exporters in Myanmar paid them off and charged it to Bangladeshi businessmen, he said.

He further said that after learning about the issue, the Myanmar government stopped trade with Bangladesh through Teknaf as they did not want the Arakan Army to benefit financially.

Shawkat Ali, a businessman at the port, said Teknaf is a more viable option for trading with Myanmar since using Chattogram significantly increases costs and time.

"Lead times to import goods from Myanmar through Teknaf is five to seven days while using Chattogram requires at least a month," he explained.

Import-export falling year after year

Due to the cross-border conflict, trade through Teknaf land port has experienced a significant downturn over the past two fiscal years, according to data from Teknaf Customs.

In FY23, 188,999 metric tonnes of goods, valued at approximately Tk 1,545 crore, were imported from Myanmar through the Teknaf land port, while Bangladesh exported 2,941 metric tonnes of goods worth Tk 6.72 crore.

However, in FY24, imports dropped sharply to 71,741 metric tonnes, valued at approximately Tk 808 crore. Exports also saw a significant decline, with only 704 metric tonnes of goods, valued at Tk 2.45 crore, shipped to Myanmar.

In the first six months of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh imported 11,129 metric tonnes of goods worth around Tk 113 crore. During the same period, 636 metric tonnes of goods valued at approximately Tk 64 lakh were exported to Myanmar.

The imported items primarily include dry fish, chilled fish, betel nuts, onions, ginger, coconuts, wood, and other goods. Bangladesh's main exports to Myanmar are cement and potatoes.​

 

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6 Rohingyas held en route to Jashore

Based on a secret tip-off, they were arrested from Khulna-bound Soudia Paribahan and MR Paribahan buses in Magura

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6 Rohingyas held en route to Jashore

Illustration: Star Digital Graphics

Detective Branch has arrested six Rohingyas in Magura who were on their way to Jashore from Balukhali refugee camp in Cox's Bazar's Ukhiya.

The arrestees are Sanaullah, 38, of Balukhali refugee camp, Mohammad Ayub, 26, of Lambasia camp in Kutupalong, Razia Begum, 20, a camp in Ukhiya, Mohammad Arzu, 20, of Rohingya camp 17, and Mohammad Erfan, 25, of Rohingya camp 13. The other arrestee was a 15-year-old of Rohingya camp 5.

Based on a secret tip-off, they were arrested from Khulna-bound Soudia Paribahan and MR Paribahan buses in the Wapda Bus Stand area of Sreepur upazila of Magura, confirmed Magura Additional Superintendent of Police Crime Mohammad Mirajul Islam.

ASP Mirajul said Sanaullah concealed his identity and presented a Bangladeshi NID card which showed his current address in Tejgaon Industrial Area of Dhaka and Modrama Ghona village in Naikhangchhari area of Bandarban district as his permanent address.

During their interrogation, police found out that the five other Rohingya, led by Sanaullah, were going to Jashore to make Bangladeshi national identity cards.​