Muslim Armed Groups in Refugee Camps and the Complicity of Bangladesh Authorities

News Analysis ၊ May 3, 2026

The military and political landscape of northern Arakan has stabilized under the control of the Arakan Army (AA). However, activities within refugee camps across the border in Bangladesh are emerging as a grave challenge to border stability. Specifically, the complex relationship between Bangladesh authorities and Muslim armed groups is severely undermining regional security.

According to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) published on June 18, 2025, Bangladesh security agencies have been openly supporting a "unification" movement among Muslim armed groups.

While these agencies maintain contact with the AA, they appear to be playing a balancing act by simultaneously empowering these armed factions under the pretext of reducing camp violence. A clear example of this involvement occurred in November 2024, when the DGFI brokered an agreement called "mission harmony" among four major armed groups.

Furthermore, the ICG report highlights that Bangladesh security forces are standing by while these groups conduct recruitment drives and propaganda campaigns inside the camps. The ICG suggests that some officials may be using these armed groups as leverage to press the AA into accepting refugee repatriations.

After losing ground in northern Rakhine to the AA, defeated armed groups have turned refugee camps in Bangladesh into safe havens to rebuild their strength. By using religious rhetoric like "Jihad" to recruit new members, they are preparing to counter-attack the AA and are committing acts of violence against local civilians. This military buildup poses a significant threat to the safety of civilians on both sides of the border and risks escalating local clashes into a wider regional conflict.

The decision by Bangladesh security forces to ignore recruitment and mobilization within the camps is an extremely dangerous gamble. While some authorities believe using these groups as a tool against the AA will facilitate repatriation, this strategy actually destroys mutual trust and hinders any real solution to the refugee crisis. Although Dhaka attempts to engage in formal talks with the AA, its continued support for Muslim armed groups only deepens the AA’s suspicions.

In short, armed activities based in the Bangladesh refugee camps are the primary obstacles to peace and stability in Arakan. Bangladesh authorities must stop their policy of negligence, which effectively nurtures extremism and terrorism.

For long-term stability, the only practical solution is to stop supporting proxy Muslim armed groups and instead engage in transparent cooperation with the organizations that actually control the territory.

Source@ICG