Arakan Bay News

  The scene of the Bangladeshi citizen, who was shot by ARSA terrorists, being transported to the hospital. A Bangladeshi citizen was injured after being shot by members of the terrorist militant group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Cox’s Bazar district, according to local sources. The incident took place late at night on January 13 near Nayapara Refugee Camp No. 26 in Teknaf’s Nayapara area. The victim, identified as Mohammad Rocky , was reportedly targeted by ARSA terrorists and sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. Following the shooting, the injured man was rushed to Teknaf Government Hospital , where he is currently receiving medical treatment. His condition was reported as stable at the time of reporting. Local residents said the attack has heightened fear in the area, as ARSA terrorists continue to operate inside and around refugee camps , engaging in armed violence, intimidation, and cross-border criminal activities. Security forces have launched an inves...

  Across mainland Southeast Asia, modern national borders frequently divide ethnic communities that long predate the formation of contemporary states. Groups such as the Shan/Tai, Karen, Mon, Chin/Mizo/Kuki, and Rakhine are found on both sides of international frontiers, reflecting shared histories, languages, and social systems that survived colonial boundary-making. However, a comparative anthropological and historical analysis suggests that the Rohingya case differs markedly from this regional pattern. Indigenous Border Peoples and Cross-Border Continuity In Southeast Asia, indigenous border peoples typically exhibit clear continuity across borders. These communities maintain long-established settlements, shared dialects or language chains, common clan structures, oral histories, and recognition in colonial and local records on both sides of state boundaries. Ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, for example, are found in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Similarly, Karen communities span the My...

  Eight members of the indigenous Mro community were seriously injured in a violent group attack near Border Milepost No. 55 along the Rakhine–Bangladesh border in Alikadam Township, Bandarban District, according to information obtained by AB News. The injured individuals were identified as Danyan (52), Amor (50), Preikay Kyaw (27), Aung Saung (30), Kauk Ngun (50), Nga Wei (27), Lan Ching (30), and Min Yo (40). The incident took place at around 10 a.m. on January 17, when local indigenous villagers attempted to prevent a group of people from allegedly stealing crops from fruit plantations belonging to Mro families. During the confrontation, the villagers were reportedly assaulted with knives and sticks. A local resident told AB News that the attack was carried out jointly by some settler Muslims and members of local violent groups, targeting the indigenous Mro villagers. One plantation owner said the Mro people have lived on the land for generations but are now facing increasing pr...

Tensions along the Bangladesh–Myanmar frontier surged on January 12, 2026, when residents of Waikhong (Whykong) in Teknaf Upazila rallied to protest continuing violence spilling over from Myanmar’s internal conflict. The demonstration came after heavy clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and several Islamist militant groups , including the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and allied factions, generated intense gunfire and explosions near the border. Local people say that stray bullets from the fighting on the Myanmar side crossed into Bangladeshi territory around Kyee Island and surrounding areas, hitting homes in Waikhong. A 9-year-old boy identified as Huzaifa (also reported as Hozaifa) was critically injured after being struck by one of these rounds. He was initially treated locally and later taken to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital for intensive care. In response, angry villagers blocked roads and gathered at Waikhong market to denounce the violence and demand ...

  A local resident from Maungdaw Township has recounted his ordeal after being detained by members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) while traveling to seek medical treatment, according to an interview conducted by local media. The man said he was intercepted and taken by the group during his journey for healthcare assistance. He reported that he was held for a period of time under guard and questioned about his movements and background. According to the interview, the detainee later managed to escape from custody under unclear circumstances and returned to safety. He did not sustain serious injuries during the incident but described the experience as traumatic. Local residents say such incidents have heightened fear and insecurity among civilians in parts of northern Maungdaw, particularly for those traveling for medical or livelihood-related reasons. The incident adds to ongoing concerns raised by locals about the safety of civilians amid the presence of armed grou...

  The Bangladesh Coast Guard has detained 11 traders for attempting to transport cement and diesel across the Naf River into Maungdaw Township in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, an area currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), officials said on January 18. According to the Coast Guard, the arrests were carried out late on January 17 after patrol units intercepted a motorized boat on the Naf River. The vessel was reportedly carrying a large consignment of cement along with fuel, and all 11 individuals on board were taken into custody. Authorities stated that the detainees will face charges related to smuggling prohibited goods. Officials also noted that further action would be pursued against networks involved in the unlawful sale and distribution of goods originating from Bangladesh. Sources said Bangladesh does not officially recognize the AA as a governing authority, and therefore has not authorized formal trade with areas under its control in Rakhine State. The latest incid...