Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has firmly refuted all 'unfounded allegations' and 'misinformation' spread by the Arakan Army (AA) and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), regarding BGB's border operations and its alleged support for armed groups like ARSA or RSO.

According to a UNB news report, the paramilitary force headquarters issued a statement on Friday(October 7) asserting that, contrary to the false claims, BGB upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in border security.

The statement highlighted a specific incident on November 5 in the Palongkhali area, near BRM 19, within Bangladesh's territory, as a clear demonstration of BGB’s commitment to peace.

"During this event, three armed AA members, armed with automatic weapons, deliberately crossed the zero line and fired three shots, aiming at BGB personnel/post without any provocation," the statement said. "One of the bullets from AA even hit our border post signalling their hostile intentions along the border, which is a clear indication of provocation."

BGB stated that its troops "exercised restraint" and responded with warning shots, resulting in no casualties. The statement also noted that in the past, "bullets from AA members have hit civilian houses, shops at the border areas, even injuring civilians occasionally; Mines of AA have killed civilians and one BGB soldier in the past."

BGB described the continued claims that it supports RSO, ARSA, or other Rohingya armed groups as "entirely baseless allegations" and "fabrications... part of a deliberate effort to tarnish BGB’s reputation."

The force headquarters suggested a motive for these claims, linking them to BGB's successful anti-smuggling operations. "As its vigilant border patrols have effectively stopped the smuggling of goods and narcotics, particularly Yaba, from Rakhine across the border... this activity significantly disrupts and threatens the agendas of AA," the statement read.

BGB asserted that as AA struggles to secure logistics due to this vigilance, "they are presumably spreading false narratives to defame BGB, and eventually Bangladesh."

The statement also observed a pattern of "misinformation and false narratives" aimed at eroding BGB's credibility and anticipated that this very rejoinder might be met with "another round of propaganda."

"BGB categorically states that it PROVIDES NO SUPPORT whatsoever to Rakhine-based or any Rohingya armed groups, including RSO/ARSA or others," the statement affirmed, adding, "Our primary concern is safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation."

The BGB urged the AA and ULA to "cease all propaganda," stating that "baseless allegations neither fetch legitimacy nor foster peace; instead, they hinder efforts to build trust and stability along the border."

Finally, the statement expressed disappointment with the "regrettable" behaviour of AA/ULA, which it described as "acts of provocation and deliberate attempts to escalate tension in the border," while reaffirming BGB's commitment to protecting the border and countering false narratives with facts.

BOB Post