Negotiating Stability: Bangladesh’s Policy Options in Engaging the Arakan Army

As Myanmar’s Rakhine State transforms under the growing influence of the Arakan Army, Bangladesh stands at a pivotal crossroads. With the AA controlling over 80% of Rakhine, including the sensitive 271-km shared border, Dhaka faces rising challenges—cross-border crime, refugee spillovers, and national security threats. But alongside these risks lie opportunities. As regional giants like India and China open pragmatic channels with the AA, Bangladesh must also rethink its strategy to avoid diplomatic isolation and assert its interests through measured, strategic engagement.

In this latest analysis, Shamshil Arefin explores how a multi-pronged approach—grounded in theory, backed by precedent, and mindful of humanitarian and security realities—can help Bangladesh navigate this complex landscape. From leveraging Track II diplomacy to aligning humanitarian aid with strategic goals, the piece offers actionable policy directions that embrace realism without compromising on values. Read the full commentary to understand why Rakhine’s future is deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s regional posture.