Quiet Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s Emerging Role in the Future of Rakhine State

Reading Time: 2 minutes In recent months, Bangladesh has moved quietly but decisively to shape the future of neighbouring Rakhine State, as the Myanmar junta weakens and local forces gain ascendancy. With the Arakan Army (AA) now controlling over 90% of Rakhine territory and poised to declare independence, Dhaka is positioning itself to secure both regional stability and its national interests. Strategic Engagement with the Arakan Army Sources indicate that the Bangladesh government has established backchannel communications and growing working relations with the Arakan Army. This engagement signals a pragmatic shift in Dhaka’s approach to the Rakhine conflict, recognising the de facto authority the AA now holds. For Bangladesh, the primary concerns are straightforward: secure the border, enable the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees, and prevent external powers from entrenching themselves near its doorstep. A powerful signal of Dhaka’s seriousness came with the recent arrest of the ARSA chief inside