Khaing Lu Hla (Roma Mray) — The Arakan Army (AA) formally repatriated 14 Bangladeshi nationals to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on the afternoon of May 9.

The handover took place along the Naf River demarcation line. Following a cordial exchange between officials from both sides, the AA transferred custody of the individuals to the BGB.

Lt. Col. Md. Hanifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Commander of the Teknaf-based BGB Battalion No. 2, told Bangladeshi media that the successful rescue was a result of the BGB’s professionalism and commitment to humanitarian crises. He emphasized that the BGB continues to prioritize border security and the safety of Bangladeshi citizens.

According to Bangladeshi media reports, the BGB in Cox’s Bazar has established an effective liaison with the Arakan Army to address humanitarian issues.

The repatriated group, which included 13 Bangladeshi nationals and one resident from Myanmar, was transported to Teknaf Port before being reunited with their families.

Ten of the individuals had been rescued by the Arakan Army’s coast guard after their fishing boat capsized in Bangladeshi waters and drifted into Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

The remaining four were Bangladeshi nationals previously detained by Burmese military authorities while transporting goods to Rakhine State via inland waterways.

Political analysts operating near the border suggest these engagements signal improving relations between the Bangladeshi government and the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.

Furthermore, the coordination acts as a de facto recognition of the ULA/AA’s territorial sovereignty along the 171-kilometer (168.4-mile) border.