Arakan American Community Congratulates BNP on Election Victory, Seeks Deeper Engagement with ULA Government

News March 13, 2026

AAC Statement and Current PM of Bangladesh (photocrd)

The Arakan American Community (AAC), a diaspora organization representing ethnic Arakanese in the United States, has issued a statement congratulating the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Tarique Rahman, on their recent electoral victory.

In the letter, dated March 12, the AAC praised the BNP's commitment to "national sovereignty, democratic principles, political resilience, and the welfare and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh." The organization stated that the electoral win reflects the public's trust in the BNP's leadership and vision for stability and economic progress.

However, the statement went beyond a simple congratulatory message, delving into regional geopolitics and the situation in Arakan. The AAC emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the peoples of Arakan and Bangladesh, calling for them to "stand together like close brothers and sisters."

The letter highlighted the historical sovereignty of the Arakan Kingdom, which existed for over a millennium until 1784. It noted that today, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) is working to restore stability and self-determination, claiming to have effective administrative control over more than 90 percent of Arakan's territory. The AAC described the ULA/AA as a "responsible governing authority on the ground" and respectfully expressed the importance of "constructive engagement" between the new Bangladeshi government and the Arakan group.

The statement also addressed the situation of the Kaman people, a Muslim ethnic group in Arakan, describing centuries of harmonious coexistence with other communities, particularly in the southern part of the state.

Furthermore, the AAC expressed concern over recent security issues along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The letter mentioned "incidents affecting Arakan ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts" and "recent cross-border attacks by such armed groups," though it did not specify which groups were responsible. It stated that "necessary measures have been taken to maintain stability and prevent further escalation," without providing further details.

In its concluding remarks, the AAC expressed hope that under the BNP's new leadership, the relationship between Bangladesh and the people of Arakan will strengthen based on "mutual respect, peace, stability, and long-term friendship."

About the AAC: The Arakan American Community is a US-based diaspora organization advocating for the interests of ethnic Arakanese people. The group can be contacted via email at community18aac@gmail.com.