Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) firmly refutes all ‘unfounded allegations’ and ‘misinformation’spread by Arakan Army (AA) and United League of Arakan (ULA), regarding BGB's border operations and allegation of supporting ARSA/RSO etc.
In a statement on Friday, the paramilitary force headquarters said, contrary to the false claims made by AA and ULA, BGB upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in border security.
The incident on November 5 in Palongkhali area, near BRM 19, within Bangladesh’s territory, clearly demonstrates BGB’s commitment to peace and border protection.
“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. 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,” it said.
“Nonetheless, our troops exercised restraint and BGB personnel responded with warning shots, resulting in no casualties or injuries. It may be worth mentioning that previously 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.”
It is important to highlight that AA and ULA continue to spread false narratives claiming that BGB supports RSO/ARSA or Rohingya armed groups—entirely baseless allegations., said the statement.
These fabrications are part of a deliberate effort to tarnish BGB’s reputation, especially 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. As AA struggles to obtain smuggled goods and secure logistics at the border due to BGB’s vigilance, they are presumably spreading false narratives to defame BGB, and eventually Bangladesh, it added.
Furthermore, the influx of narcotics from Rakhine border areas, especially illegal Yaba trafficking, has been considerably curbed due to the BGB’s proactive measures.
These efforts, aimed at ensuring national security and public safety, are persistently undermined by propaganda campaigns initiated by AA and ULA.
“We also observe a pattern in which each BGB response or clarification is met with a second round of misinformation and false narratives aimed at eroding our credibility; this will not be surprising at all if this very rejoinder of BGB is again responded through another round of propaganda. Despite these ongoing challenges, BGB remains resolute and dedicated to its vital duty of maintaining a peaceful, secure, and inviolable border environment. “
BGB categorically states that it PROVIDES NO SUPPORT whatsoever to Rakhine-based or any Rohingya armed groups, including RSO/ARSA or others. “Our primary concern is safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.”
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“We urge AA and ULA to cease all propaganda aimed at damaging BGB’s reputation. Propaganda and baseless allegations neither fetch legitimacy nor foster peace; instead, they hinder efforts to build trust and stability along the border. BGB remains committed to its constitutional duties and calls on all parties to act responsibly and veraciously in their public statements,” it added.
BGN reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the dignity and security of our borders and promise to counter any false narratives with factual and transparent information.
It also expressed disappointment with the behaviour of AA/ULA, which is regrettable, entangles acts of provocation and deliberate attempts to escalate tension in the border.