In response to a question regarding the movement of Myanmar’s rebel group, the Arakan Army, across the Bangladesh border, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury acknowledged that the group has been active for a long time and noted that some of its members have even married locally in Bangladesh—a fact that cannot be denied. Speaking to journalists after a law and order meeting in Chattogram on Wednesday, he stated that while many reports are emerging, not everything being said is entirely true or false, and the situation requires a balanced perspective.

Chowdhury pointed out that the region is a mix of hills, plains, and coastal areas, which often allows criminals to flee into the hills after committing crimes. However, he assured that joint force operations have continued and that improved law and order is partly due to public cooperation.

He also described the Arakan border as particularly “difficult,” noting that while Bangladesh maintains communication with the Myanmar government, the Arakan Army now controls parts of the border. As a result, any goods crossing the border often require taxes to be paid to both the Myanmar authorities and the rebel group. Efforts are ongoing to resolve this complex situation.

Responding to another question, he affirmed that the border remains secure and called for continued public support. Addressing concerns about kidnappings and crimes in the hills, Chowdhury, who previously served as a commander in the region, asserted that the area is far more peaceful now compared to the past, when unrest was more widespread.