Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained an armed member of the Arakan Army after he illegally crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar through the Balukhali border in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The incident occurred around 8:45 AM on Monday near Palongkhali Union. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Commander of BGB Battalion-64 in Ukhiya, confirmed the arrest.
The detainee, identified as Jibon Tanchanga (21), is a member of the Arakan Army, an insurgent group based in Myanmar. He was found in possession of a sophisticated foreign-made heavy firearm and several rounds of ammunition.
According to Lt Col Jasim Uddin, the individual crossed the zero line from Rakhine State into Bangladeshi territory and surrendered himself at a BGB border outpost near the Balukhali refugee camp, requesting shelter and handing over his weapon voluntarily. The BGB immediately informed higher authorities and decided to hand over the detainee to the police for entering the country illegally. During preliminary interrogation, Jibon claimed he fled Myanmar with the weapon due to threats to his personal safety.
Legal proceedings are underway, and the process of transferring the Arakan Army member to Ukhiya Police Station is in progress, said Lt Col Jasim Uddin.
