Bangladeshi Fisherman Injured as ARA Militants Stage Fake ‘Battle’ for Propaganda
A Bangladeshi fisherman was shot and injured after gunfire used to stage a fake battle for propaganda by the militant group calling itself the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA) crossed into Bangladeshi territory, according to official and local sources.
The incident occurred along the Naf River area when ARA members allegedly opened fire while fabricating a staged “clash” intended for dissemination on social media to attract public support and recruits. One of the bullets struck a Bangladeshi fisherman who was fishing at the time.
The injured man has been identified as Alamgir, 31. The incident was confirmed by Zahirul Islam, Deputy Commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion No. 64 in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar District.
According to available information, on the morning of 9 January, more than ten ARA members—including their leader Nobi Hossain—were seen moving and operating around Auk Kyi Island along the Arakan–Bangladesh border. During this activity, the group reportedly fired weapons indiscriminately.
While the gunfire was ongoing, ARA leader Nobi Hossain delivered a speech in Bengali, claiming that intense fighting was taking place between the Arakan Army (AA) and ARA. He alleged that ARA had captured numerous AA positions and achieved major battlefield victories. He also called on Muslims to join the group, asserting that ARA was continuing armed operations to enable a full return to Arakan and to live there “safely and with dignity.”
However, a local resident from Maungdaw Township stated that no fighting between the Arakan Army and ARA occurred on 9 January, and that no clashes were heard or observed in the area that day.
Observers note that extremist militant groups have increasingly staged fake combat scenes and spread disinformation through social media as a tactic to raise funds, gain attention, and recruit supporters—often with real and dangerous consequences for civilians on both sides of the border.
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