Bangladesh says it has no information on reports of Arakan Army Chief receiving treatment in country

Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser and High Representative to the Chief Adviser, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, has dismissed reports suggesting that the commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) is receiving medical treatment in Bangladesh, saying the government has no information to support the claims.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Dr. Khalilur Rahman said authorities were unaware of any such development.

“I have no information on this matter,” he said when asked about media reports alleging that the Arakan Army leader was in Bangladesh for medical treatment.

His comments come amid escalating fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, particularly in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships along the Bangladesh border.

The renewed conflict has prompted heightened security concerns in Bangladesh, where residents in the border town of Teknaf have reported hearing repeated explosions and heavy gunfire from across the Naf River in recent days.

Bangladesh authorities have also increased surveillance along the southeastern frontier amid concerns that intensified fighting could trigger another influx of Rohingya refugees seeking safety across the border.

Unconfirmed reports circulating in recent days suggested that large numbers of Rohingya had gathered near the Naf River with the intention of entering Bangladesh. In response, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has reinforced patrols and maintained heightened vigilance along vulnerable sections of the border.

Addressing the security situation, Dr. Khalilur Rahman said the government is closely monitoring developments.

“We are monitoring the border situation. Surveillance along the border has been strengthened,” he told reporters.

The latest escalation in Rakhine State highlights the growing regional impact of Myanmar’s armed conflict, with cross-border security remaining a major concern for Bangladesh as fighting continues near its southeastern frontier.

Bangladesh authorities have not released any further information regarding the reported whereabouts of the Arakan Army leadership, and no independent evidence has emerged to substantiate claims that the group’s commander is in Bangladesh.