Bangladesh heightens border security amid renewed fighting in Rakhine, fears fresh Rohingya influx

Bangladesh has intensified security measures along its southeastern border following renewed fighting and repeated airstrikes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, amid growing concerns that another wave of Rohingya refugees could attempt to cross into the country.

The heightened alert comes after a series of airstrikes by Myanmar’s military in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, close to the Bangladesh border, triggering fear and uncertainty among Rohingya civilians living in the conflict zone.

Interviews with Rohingya refugees in camps across Cox’s Bazar indicate increasing anxiety over the deteriorating security situation. Refugees said tensions escalated after several Arakan Army (AA) fighters were reportedly killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Kalimullah, a Rohingya refugee residing in a camp in Teknaf, claimed that an armed group believed to be affiliated with ARSA attacked Arakan Army vehicles in a hilly area several days ago, killing multiple AA fighters.

According to Kalimullah, the Arakan Army subsequently accused local Rohingya communities of supporting both ARSA and Myanmar’s military, resulting in increased pressure on civilians.

“The repeated airstrikes have created widespread fear among civilians. Many people want to relocate to safer areas, but the Arakan Army is preventing them from leaving,” he said.

The Global Arakan Network, a media outlet regarded as being close to the Arakan Army, reported that two Myanmar military fighter jets dropped bombs on Buthidaung shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, injuring one Rohingya woman and two children.

The outlet also reported additional airstrikes targeting Rohingya-populated areas in Maungdaw as well as Arakan Army positions on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, and Thursday afternoon.

A Rohingya resident from Maungdaw, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Wednesday’s strikes occurred near the Bangladesh border, while Thursday’s attacks were carried out farther north.

Although Rohingya residential areas were affected, the resident said the Myanmar military appeared to be primarily targeting Arakan Army positions.

“People are still finding temporary shelter inside Rakhine State. However, if the airstrikes and fighting continue to intensify, many Rohingya may try to flee to Bangladesh,” he warned.

Bangladesh authorities have responded by strengthening surveillance along the frontier.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed confirmed that explosions from across the border were clearly audible in Teknaf.

“Whenever airstrikes occur, people living near the border become frightened. We have seen in previous conflicts that many Rohingya attempt to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh during such situations. Therefore, we remain on high alert to prevent any illegal border crossings,” he said.

Colonel Mohiuddin added that the intensity of the airstrikes increased after sunset on Thursday.

“Reports from different sources suggest between 18 and 27 bombs were dropped. Although the figures vary, it is evident that a substantial number of airstrikes have taken place. We first received information about an airstrike at around 10:24 a.m. on Wednesday, and reports have continued throughout the day,” he said.