Narinjara News, June 22, 2025

The Bangladesh government has categorically denied allegations made by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG) that Rohingya armed groups are freely recruiting, training, and operating within the country.

According to the ICG report, armed factions from the Rohingya community are reportedly organizing within refugee camps in Bangladesh, raising concerns about potential confrontations with Myanmar’s Arakan Army.

The Dhaka Tribune reported that in response to the ICG's warnings, Bangladeshi authorities dismissed any claims of militant activity in the Rohingya camps.

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.

Bangladesh officials, responsible for overseeing the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, stated, “No such militant activity has been detected.”

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman emphasized that law enforcement agencies continuously patrol the camps, making it impossible for such activities to occur unnoticed.

He labeled the report’s allegations as “untrue,” insisting there is no evidence of armed group training or recruitment within the camps.

“These are misleading statements. We have found no indication of such operations,” he added.

Contrary to the government’s assertions, Rohingya militants have been publicly documenting their movements and activities on social media platforms. (See photo of Rohingya militants in Bangladesh)

Rohingya militants operating freely on Bangladeshi soil

Military observers along the border report that Rohingya militant groups are frequently seen recruiting, training, and moving freely within Bangladesh.

According to these observers, groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO) have established a presence within Bangladeshi territory, engaging in attacks against the Arakan Army, as well as abductions and killings of civilians.

The ICG’s report, titled “Bangladesh/Myanmar: The Dangers of a Rohingya Insurgency,” warns that, as the Arakan Army advances in Rakhine State, rival Rohingya factions—including ARSA, RSO, and other lesser-known armed groups—are forming tactical alliances in preparation for potential confrontations.

The report highlights that some of these factions are utilizing religious messaging to attract new recruits from the refugee camps.

“Religious leaders sympathetic to the insurgents are promoting narratives that frame armed resistance 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 cautions, it could result in “serious damage,” not just in Myanmar but also in terms of regional peace and the protection of refugees. A militarized Rohingya movement could provoke severe crackdowns, disrupt humanitarian aid, and diminish international sympathy for the refugee cause.

Naung Min Thu