How A DVB Youth Voice Talkshow Debate Turned Into An Anti-Arakan Propaganda

Kyaw Zan, Opinion

Global Arakan Network December 20, 2025

A recent program on DVB, aired on December 19, 2025, carried a promising title: “Rakhine vs Rohingya — Conflict or Coexistence?” It was part of the Youth Voice Gen-Z Talkshow series. Many expected a fair exchange of views between the two communities. Instead, the show became a platform for one-sided attacks on the United League of Arakan (ULA) and Arakanese community, while key facts about the complex history went unspoken.

The choice of speakers already raised questions. For the Rakhine side, the program invited Su Chay, a young journalist from Kyaukphyu who works with outlets like Myanmar Now. For the Rohingya side, they chose Zarni Soe (also known as Rofik Husson), who lives in the United States. A true debate on “Rakhine versus Rohingya” should feature representatives who clearly voice their community’s concerns. Yet what viewers saw was far from balanced.

Zarni Soe used his time to attack the ULA/AA movement sharply. He placed the AA on the same level as the Myanmar junta, repeating claims that paint the liberation struggle as equal to military oppression. He spoke freely, often in strong and unbalanced ways. Su Chay, however, offered almost no counterpoints. Shockingly, she agreed with many of his statements, saying his points were “right and acceptable.” She asked no tough questions and raised no objections. The debate ended early – not with clash of ideas, but with both speakers echoing criticism of the AA and Rakhine positions. The result was a program that presented only anti-ULA/AA views.

The real issue lies with the representation. Su Chay did not defend common Rakhine perspectives. She stayed silent on serious threats faced by local communities, including attacks by armed groups such as ARSA, RSO, ARA, and RIM along the border. These groups have targeted innocent Rakhine villagers, Muslims who do not support them, and other minorities. They also collaborated with the Myanmar junta who killed and imposed dictatorial rules against its own populations across the country. No mention was made of their violent actions against the innocent lives as well.

The program also ignored the historical roots of tension: waves of mass immigration from Chittagong during colonial times that changed northern Arakan forever, leading to the loss of Buddhist and minority presence in many areas. Illegal crossings continued after independence, adding demographic threat, religious extremism, pressure on land and resources against the Arakanese. These facts form the backbone of Rakhine concerns, yet they never appeared.

Su Chay’s approach reflects a wider pattern among some donor-funded voices. Fear of being labeled “nationalist” keeps them from speaking plainly about wrongdoing on all sides. They avoid criticism of Bengali Muslim armed groups, religious suppression against women in Muslim community, historical immigration, worried about losing support from dishonest western organizations. This silence does not help understanding – it blocks it. Zarni Soe, already known for strong pro-Rohingya/Bengali positions, faced no such fear and spoke freely.

A meaningful debate needs speakers who truly reflect their communities. DVB could have chosen a Rakhine youth ready to explain local fears, history, and the daily reality under blockade and war. Instead, the program gave airtime to unchecked attacks on the AA while important counter-facts stayed hidden.

Fair discussion is needed more than ever. The people of Arakan face severe hardship from junta blockades and ongoing conflict. Their struggle for self-rule deserves honest portrayal, not distortion. Programs like this, meant to bridge gaps, end up widening them when balance is missing. Viewers want truth from both sides, not propaganda dressed as debate. Next time, select voices that represent real community feelings. Only then can talks about coexistence move forward with trust.