What options does Bangladesh have in these circumstances? The Arakan Army is a non-state actor. No state can openly negotiate with such a non-state actor. But the reality is that these non-state actors have control over the areas adjacent to our border. If Maungdu is captured, the entire area there will come under the control of the Arakan Army. In such a situation, our government should consider whether it will negotiate with the Arakan Army or not. Bangladesh will have to take the risk of starting negotiations with the non-state actor Arakan Army.
The second option is to retaliate. This does not necessarily mean a counter-attack. But we must certainly retaliate against those who encroach on our maritime territory, whether it is the Arakan Army, the Myanmar Army or its Navy.
In conclusion, it should be noted that although India has old animosity with the Arakan Army, it is still willing to forget the past and work for the future. All this is behind the scenes. It should be noted that whatever we have to do, we should do it on our own terms, no other country should be involved in it. If any other country gets involved in it, the entire area can become a battlefield. There will be a possibility of geopolitical devastation on a large scale. To avoid this, Bangladesh will have to take some decisions in its own interest.
Looking at the overall situation, it seems Bangladesh is walking on a thin rope. Generally, people feel that diplomatic letters or such steps will not work. We must come up with a counter-response, no matter how limited it is.
* M Sakhawat Hussain is a former Election Commissioner and SIPG Senior Research Fellow (NSU). [email protected]
*This column was published in the print and online editions of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English version by Ayesha Kabir.