BGB Denies Allegations by Arakan Army and ULA, Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security

The Business Standard

Arakan Now | 7 November 2025

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has strongly rejected what it calls “unfounded allegations and misinformation” spread by the Arakan Army (AA) and the United League of Arakan (ULA) regarding BGB’s border operations and alleged support for Rohingya armed groups such as ARSA and RSO.

In an official statement, the BGB emphasized that it upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in its duties to safeguard the Bangladesh–Myanmar frontier.

According to the statement, the incident on November 5, 2025, in the Palongkhali area near Border Reference Marker (BRM) 19, within Bangladeshi territory, clearly demonstrated BGB’s “commitment to peace and border protection.” During the event, three armed AA members reportedly crossed the zero line and fired three rounds toward a BGB post without provocation. One bullet allegedly struck the BGB post, indicating “hostile intentions” by the AA.

BGB said its troops “exercised restraint” and responded only with warning shots, avoiding casualties or injuries. The force also noted that AA bullets have previously struck civilian homes and shops near the border, injuring civilians, while AA-planted mines have caused deaths — including one BGB soldier.

The statement further condemned ongoing attempts by AA and ULA to accuse BGB of supporting Rohingya armed groups, describing these as “entirely baseless and deliberate efforts to tarnish BGB’s reputation.”

BGB claimed such propaganda arises from its successful anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics operations, particularly in curbing the cross-border flow of Yaba tablets and other illicit goods from Rakhine State. These enforcement actions, the BGB noted, have disrupted AA’s logistical networks, which it believes is the reason behind the recent wave of “false narratives” aimed at Bangladesh and its border forces.

“BGB categorically states that it provides no support whatsoever to Rakhine-based or Rohingya armed groups, including RSO or ARSA,” the statement read.

“Our primary concern is safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of Bangladesh.”

The BGB also expressed disappointment over what it described as a “pattern of propaganda,” where each clarification issued by the force is followed by a new round of misinformation. Despite this, the statement reaffirmed BGB’s resolve to maintain peace, security, and stability along the border.

Finally, the BGB urged AA and ULA to cease their propaganda campaigns and act responsibly in their public communications.

“Propaganda and baseless allegations neither bring legitimacy nor foster peace,” the statement concluded. “They only undermine trust and stability along the border. BGB remains steadfast in its constitutional duty to protect the dignity and security of the nation’s borders and will continue to counter false narratives with transparency and facts.”