Exiled Bangagya Activists' Propaganda Threatens Local Muslims and Coexistence in Maungdaw, Says Advisor Jury Baser

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Global Arakan Network | October 3,2025

Advisor Jury Baser

In a recent interview with an independent local media outlet, Development Media Group (DMG), Mr. Baser, Maungdaw District Muslim Administrative Advisor said so. The full speech of his answer is as the following;

“Muslim activists abroad, without knowing exactly what is happening on the ground, are making biased comments and criticising us. To be honest, it is like trying to kill Muslims in Arakan State. Now that it is a revolutionary period, people are having a hard time making ends meet. Some people have gone abroad for their own purposes. Some people who are abroad are spreading propaganda telling their children not to stay here and are trying to get them to flee abroad. Some of these people know the good things about this country. Some people are forced to say bad things.

Political leaders abroad, without investigating in detail what is happening here, are presenting it to the international community based on their own needs and interests, and are harming our social harmony. We are concerned that the country's development will further deteriorate and harm the coexistence of all ethnic groups. It also threatens our principle of coexistence and the path we are taking, and I condemn it.”

DMG released the interview in English on September 27, 2025 and key points from the Interview include;

• Current Situation in Maungdaw: Baser notes that AA control is recent (under two years), so full coexistence is evolving. He expresses hope for greater Muslim freedoms, contrasting it with past military rule oppression.

  
  

• Muslim Participation in AA Structures: Muslims serve in AA police and armed forces, marking a shift from exclusion under the junta. Baser envisions expanded roles in all departments, strengthening ethnic harmony and state-building.

  
  

• Criticism of Exile Activists: Baser accuses abroad-based Muslim figures of biased, uninformed attacks that undermine local harmony and development. He calls them "propaganda" that encourages flight abroad, harming revolutionary progress and coexistence principles.

  
  

• Views on ARSA: Baser condemns ARSA's history of violence (e.g., killings, kidnappings, extortion in 2017, leading to mass exodus). He claims ARSA has only damaged Muslims and other groups, with no positive contributions.

  
  

• Security Impacts: ARSA's cross-border attacks and abductions pose dangers; Baser urges public cooperation and border management for protection.

  
  

• Expectations for Coexistence: Baser highlights past discrimination (e.g., denied university access, citizenship). Under AA, he anticipates equitable education, business opportunities based on skills/capital, and no racial bias. He calls for Muslim loyalty and service to Arakan State.

  
  

• Broader Muslim Issues: Baser rejects junta-era labels of Muslims as "stateless immigrants" and urges unity.