The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has apprehended three members of the Arakan Army (AA), a prominent Myanmar-based insurgent group, following an attempted illegal crossing into Bangladeshi territory. The arrests were made on Monday evening, 23 February, in the Amatali border area of the Ghumdhum Union, situated within the Bandarban hill district of Naikhongchhari.
Circumstances of the Arrest
During a routine patrol by the BGB’s Cox’s Bazar Battalion (34 BGB), security personnel noticed three individuals attempting to breach the international border under the cover of dusk. Upon being intercepted and subjected to preliminary interrogation, the suspects confessed to their affiliation with the Arakan Army. A subsequent search of their persons led to the discovery of a significant quantity of Kyat (Myanmar’s national currency).
Following the arrest, the BGB promptly transferred the suspects to the Naikhongchhari Police Station for formal processing. Lieutenant Colonel S.M. Khairul Alam, Commander of the 34 BGB, and Abdul Baten Mridha, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naikhongchhari Police Station, have both officially confirmed the incident.
Border Security Profile: Naikhongchhari Sector
| Incident Detail | Specifics |
| Location of Incursion | Amatali, Ward 8, Ghumdhum Union |
| Suspected Affiliation | Arakan Army (AA) |
| Number of Detainees | Three (3) |
| Items Confiscated | Myanmar Currency (Kyat) |
| Primary Authority | Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) |
| Legal Status | Transferred to Police for prosecution |
Regional Security Context
The infiltration attempt highlights the persistent volatility along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, where internal conflicts within Myanmar frequently spill over into neighbouring districts. Naikhongchhari, due to its rugged terrain and proximity to active conflict zones in Rakhine State, remains a sensitive point for both insurgent movements and illicit smuggling.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Md. Mazharul Islam Chowdhury, stated that the local administration is maintaining a vigilant stance, ensuring that all legal protocols are strictly followed in the handling of foreign combatants. “The security forces are handling the matter with the utmost seriousness, and legal measures are being initiated against the infiltrators,” he added.
In response to the escalating regional instability, the BGB has significantly fortified its presence. Surveillance has been bolstered across various clandestine points along the Ghumdhum border to prevent further incursions, human trafficking, and the influx of narcotics. The three detainees currently remain in police custody while investigations continue to determine the exact intent behind their entry into Bangladesh.