Daily Sun’s Front Page
Bangladesh has compelling reasons to challenge the human rights organisation, the International Crisis Group’s (ICG) recent report on armed Rohingya groups allegedly being harboured in the territory.
These reasons stem from the potential for increased instability, strained relations with Myanmar, and the practical challenges of managing a large refugee population. Specifically, the government wants to avoid escalating tensions with Myanmar, especially given the Arakan Army’s (AA) control of Rakhine State and the ongoing repatriation efforts.
The ICG’s report, titled “Bangladesh/Myanmar: The Dangers of a Rohingya Insurgency,” warns that, as the Arakan Army engulfs the entire Rakhine State, rival Rohingya factions – including Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), and other lesser-known armed groups – are forming strategic alliances in preparation for potential confrontations in Rakhine State.
The training and weapons are provided by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) to fight the battle-hardened Arakan Army. The Rohingya militants were given hope for citizenship, repatriation and rehabilitation of the refugees.
The IGC report with credible information has said that Rohingya armed groups are being recruited, trained, and are operating within Bangladesh.
According to the ICG report, armed factions from the Rohingyas are reportedly organising within refugee camps in Bangladesh, raising concerns about potential confrontations with Myanmar’s ethnic rebels, the Arakan Army.
In the refugee camps where one million refugees are languishing in Cox’s Bazar and the majority are Muslims is dream of returning to their homeland and are frustrated living in cramped camps.
Where they have to live on food ration from international aid agencies and denied freedom of movement and freedom to livelihood and are forcibly kept in barbed fences.
In response to the ICG’s concern, Bangladeshi authorities have several strong reasons to bin the ICG report alleging the presence and recruitment of armed Rohingya groups within refugee camps. These include concerns about maintaining stability within the camps, preserving its international image, and potentially complicating repatriation efforts. Additionally, Bangladesh may see the report as a mischaracterisation of the situation and a potential threat to its national security.
The ICG cautioned that if Rohingya armed groups establish a base of operations in the camps, it could lead to increased instability and heightened cross-border tensions between Bangladesh and Myanmar, especially with the ethnic rebellion of the Arakan Army.
Bangladesh officials, responsible for oversight of the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, denied any such militancy had been detected.
There are several security agencies responsible for intelligence gathering and surveillance of the population, besides law enforcement agencies, especially the Armed Police Battalion (APB). The ICG, however, has been blamed for mass-scale corruption by ABP. Also, for extortion, ransom and protection money from the drug trade in the refugee camps.
Contrary to the government’s assertions, Rohingya militants have made their activities of their movements on social media platforms.
It also claimed that the ARSA and the RSO have established their presence within Bangladeshi territory, engaging in attacks against the Arakan Army, as well as abductions and killings of civilians.
The report highlights that some of these factions are utilising religious edicts to attract recruits from the refugee camps.
Religious leaders sympathetic to the insurgents are promoting Islamic narratives that describe armed resistance (Jihad) as a religious duty, the report stated, noting that such appeals may radicalize segments of the already vulnerable displaced population.
The report cautioned that these armed factions are becoming more coordinated, having set aside rivalries to plan joint operations. If tensions escalate, the report warned, the consequences could be severe, affecting not only Rakhine State but also broader regional security and refugee management.
The ICG expressed concern about the potential for the camps in Cox’s Bazar to become embroiled in this growing conflict. The report reiterated that if Rohingya armed groups establish a base of operations in the camps, it could provoke further instability and lead to increased cross-border tensions.
Furthermore, the Crisis Group noted that the opportunity for intervention is diminishing. As the Arakan Army consolidates its control in Rakhine and the Rohingya remain stateless with diminishing hopes for repatriation, the conditions for armed mobilization are becoming increasingly ripe.
If the current trajectory continues, the report warns, it could result in “serious damage,” not just in Myanmar but also in terms of regional peace and the protection of refugees. A militarised Rohingya movement could provoke severe crackdowns, disrupt humanitarian aid, and diminish international sympathy for the refugee cause.
The Crisis Group alleged the presence and recruitment of armed Rohingya groups within refugee camps, which is a concern about maintaining stability within the camps, preserving its international image, and potentially complicating repatriation efforts.
Maintaining stability and security
The presence of armed groups, even if not fully operational, can exacerbate tensions within the camps and with the host community. Bangladesh has invested heavily in maintaining peace and security within the camps and may view the report as undermining its efforts.
The government is concerned about the potential for radicalization and recruitment of young Rohingya men, especially given the dire conditions in the camps and the lack of opportunities for the future.
Protecting its International Image: Bangladesh has earned global praise for its humanitarian response in hosting the Rohingya refugees.
The ICG report, if accepted, could damage this image and suggest that Bangladesh is unable to manage the situation.
Bangladesh may be concerned about the potential for donor fatigue and reduced aid if the situation is portrayed as unstable and out of control.
Complicating repatriation efforts
Bangladesh is keen to repatriate the Rohingya refugees to Rakhine State in Myanmar when there is a conducive situation.
The ICG report could be seen as an obstacle to repatriation, as it might suggest that the refugees are not ready or safe to return.
The report might also be used by vested quarters to argue for continued refugee status and resettlement in other countries, which Bangladesh does not support.
The government may view the report as a biased or inaccurate portrayal of the situation, potentially exaggerating the threat and downplaying the efforts made by Bangladesh to maintain security.
There is a concern that the report could be used to justify further international intervention in the situation, which Bangladesh may not welcome.
National security concerns
The presence of armed groups in the camps could pose a direct threat to national security.
The government is concerned about the potential for cross-border attacks and the involvement of Rohingya armed groups in conflicts in Myanmar.
Bangladesh may also be concerned about the potential for the camps to become havens for criminal activity or recruitment of extremist groups.
Saleem Samad is an award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Sun. He is a recipient of the Ashoka Fellowship and the Hellman-Hammett Award. He can be reached at saleemsamad@hotmail.com and on Twitter (X) @saleemsamad.
