‘Arakan Army’s Bangladeshi member’ surrenders to BGB after fleeing Myanmar

The BGB says around 300 Arakan Army members have fled multiple camps in Myanmar

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) says a member of the Arakan Army, an armed insurgent group in Myanmar, has fled a camp in Myanmar’s conflict-torn Rakhine State and surrendered to the force with heavy weapons.

The surrendering man, 21-year-old Jibon Tanchangya, claims to be a Bangladeshi citizen from Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari Upazila.

Providing the details on Monday, Lt Col Mohammad Jasim Uddin, commander of BGB’s Ukhiya-64 Battalion, said: “The intruder crossed from Myanmar into the Balukhali border of Ukhiya’s Palongkhali union and surrendered to the BGB with weapons.

“He had a modern foreign-made AK-47, 52 rounds of ammunition, and two magazines.

“Arakan Army member Jibon Tanchangya crossed the border, handed over his weapon to BGB personnel, and sought shelter. The BGB seized the weapon and took him into custody.”

“He fled from a camp in Maungdaw, across the border, fearing for his safety, and surrendered to us, the officer added. “During interrogation, he told us that around 300 Arakan Army members have fled from Myanmar camps.

“They too may enter Bangladesh at any time to surrender.”

Asked whether the surrendering man had informed the BGB if those who fled were Bangladeshi citizens, Jasim said: “We don't know all of them. They are fleeing because they can no longer remain in the camps.

He noted the process is under way to hand Jibon over to Ukhiya Police Station for legal action under relevant laws.

In addition, intelligence surveillance along the border has been increased.