Bangladesh Land Captured by Arakan Army: Is Bangladesh Becoming the Next War Field?
Bangladesh is witnessing an unprecedented crisis since Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister and flee the country. Tensions have reached a peak on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly taken parts of Bangladesh’s Teknaf region. The region is sensitive and strategically significant because it is close to Bangladesh’s St. Martin Island and Rohingya refugee camps.
Myanmar’s Arakan Army has invaded Bangladesh
As reports that there have been multiple gunfights between the Arakan Army and Bangladeshi forces along the border. Local sources claim that the Arakan Army has taken control of some parts of Bangladeshi territory. However, no official statement has been given by the Bangladesh government.
The growing strength of the Arakan Army
The Arakan Army has taken over a significant portion of Rakhine state in Myanmar and is now aiming for the Bangladeshi border. They adopted a very aggressive tactic following their success in areas such as Maungdu.
According to a report, the Arakan Army is exploiting Bangladesh’s weak border to expand its influence in strategic areas like St. Martin Island.
Is Bangladesh Becoming the Next War Field?
A combination of internal issues, geopolitical rivalries, and shifting South Asian connections have led to speculation that the nation may turn into a combat zone similar to Syria.
Political upheaval, economic instability, and an increase in domestic abuse have all contributed to Bangladesh’s deteriorating internal condition. The Sheikh Hasina administration, according to critics, encountered issues, maintaining the peace, and properly handling issues.
US-Bangladesh Relations and Saint Martin’s Island Controversy:
Relations between the two countries have become worse as a result of the Sheikh Hasina government’s refusal to permit the US to build a presence on Saint Martin’s Island, a crucial position in the Bay of Bengal.
Relations between the two countries have been made more difficult by reports that the US has criticized Hasina’s leadership in an effort to offset India’s expanding influence in Bangladesh.
China’s Opportunism:
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers infrastructure and commercial investments to Bangladesh.
As tensions between Bangladesh and India escalate, China sees an opportunity to expand its influence in the region.
India’s Strategic Interests:
India, a long-time supporter of Bangladesh, especially after its critical involvement in the 1971 Liberation War, wants to keep a supportive government in Bangladesh.
In order to maintain regional stability and balance China & America’s influence in Bangladesh. India is trying to stabilize relations with Bangladesh in response to China’s & America’s growing influence.
Potential for Conflict
Bangladesh appears to be moving toward a more conservative Islamic identity as like Pakistan under Yunus’ leadership.
From 28% in 1947 to just 7% in 2024, Bangladesh’s Hindu population has seen an extreme fall. Violence, forced conversions, and systemic prejudice are blamed for this decrease. Such religious stability causes internal tensions and contributes to a massive flight of refugees to neighboring India, making regional tensions. The continuous enter of Bangladeshi refugees into India place extra strain on the country’s social structure and resources.
The involvement of the Arakan Army adds a dangerous element to the equation. Their actions directly threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty and put the country in a dangerous situation that needs to be addressed internationally. Given that China and the United States are both interested in the area, any intensification may make Bangladesh a focal point for proxy wars.
Although Bangladesh is not now a war field, if these tensions are not resolved quickly, it may soon turn into like Syria.
