Arakan Army occupies Bangladesh's land, relations with India are deteriorating, and Dhaka is in crisis from all sides.
16 December 1971, also known as Vijay Diwas, is a day in the history of the Indian subcontinent when 93 thousand Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army in Dhaka and Bangladesh came into existence as an independent nation. But 54 years later, this neighboring country is facing the biggest ever crisis to its sovereignty and security.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina, tensions on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border have reached their peak. According to reports, Myanmar's militant Arakan Army (AA) has captured parts of Bangladesh's Teknaf region. This area is not only strategically important but is also considered sensitive due to its proximity to Rohingya refugee camps and Bangladesh's famous St. Martin's Island.
Myanmar's Arakan Army attacks Bangladesh
TV9 correspondent Manish Jha, reporting from ground zero of Teknaf and Cox's Bazar, said that there has been firing between the Arakan Army and Bangladeshi forces on the border several times. Local sources say that the Arakan Army has established control over some parts of Bangladeshi territory. However, the Bangladesh government has not yet issued any official statement on this.
The growing power of the Arakan Army and the weakness of Bangladesh
The Arakan Army has captured large parts of Myanmar's Rakhine province and now has its eyes on the border areas of Bangladesh. After success in areas like Maungdaw, their strategy has become extremely aggressive. According to Manish Jha's report, the Arakan Army is trying to increase its dominance over strategic areas like Saint Martin Island by taking advantage of Bangladesh's weak borders.
Rohingya crisis increased difficulties
The Bangladesh-Myanmar border crisis is also linked to the issue of Rohingya refugees. The Arakan Army alleges that radical organizations RSO (Rohingya Solidarity Organization) and ARSA (Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army) are active in the Rohingya refugee camps, which are posing a threat to both Bangladesh and Myanmar.
These organizations are accused of promoting extremist activities by recruiting Rohingya refugees into their organization. Manish Jha's report also revealed that Bangladesh's security agencies are failing to control this situation.
Danger on Saint Martin Island
The importance of Saint Martin Island in the Bay of Bengal has always been a center of controversy. Due to the recent activities of the Arakan Army, Bangladesh fears that it may capture this area as well. This island is not only strategically important, but its control is also important for regional maritime trade and security.
Sourness in India-Bangladesh relations
The current government of Bangladesh is being accused of supporting anti-India radical organizations. Experts say that the increasing distance with India is also affecting the internal and external security of Bangladesh.
Manish Jha said that the security of India's northeastern states could be threatened by the instability in Bangladesh. Recalling the historic role of the Indian Army during the 1971 war, the army has issued a strong message on Vijay Diwas. It says that the independence of any country is not maintained only by external victory, but by internal stability and unity.
What are the options before Bangladesh?
This is a time for serious introspection for Bangladesh. It will not only have to deal with the attacks of the Arakan Army, but will also have to eliminate the radicalism growing in the Rohingya camps.
The international community should also take concrete steps to resolve this crisis. If the situation does not improve soon, Bangladesh may once again become the center of regional instability.
Questions reminding of Victory Day
Today, when Victory Day is being celebrated, the question arises whether Bangladesh will be able to save the independence and sovereignty it gained 54 years ago? Or is the country heading towards another crisis amid internal political tussle and militant attacks?