The armed group Arakan Army has imposed a blockade on border trade along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, sparking concern among Bangladeshi traders and disrupting commerce through the Naf River. According to a report by Bangladeshi media outlet Samakal published on Monday (January 20), the Arakan Army recently seized control of approximately 270 kilometers of Myanmar’s border. Along with this territorial control, they imposed a ban on navigation within Myanmar's portion of the Naf River, directly affecting Teknaf-centered trade operations.

Since the beginning of the new year, no cargo ships from Myanmar have been able to dock at Teknaf port, a key hub for trade between the two nations. Traders are growing increasingly anxious as the blockade continues, with no sign of resolution. To make matters worse, members of the Arakan Army have detained four cargo ships carrying goods destined for Bangladeshi traders.

Businessman Md. Rana, speaking to Samakal, disclosed that over 100 traders have goods worth more than Tk 50 crore loaded in these detained ships. While the vessels are owned by Myanmar nationals, the goods aboard belong to Bangladeshi businesses. "We are very concerned as the Arakan Army demands commission for the movement of goods on the Naf River," Rana said.

The demand for a commission appears to be the driving force behind this unprecedented disruption. Sources indicate that the Arakan Army is pressuring shipping companies to pay a levy for operating in Myanmar's territorial waters. This aggressive stance has left Bangladeshi traders scrambling for solutions, as their livelihood is at stake.

The detained ships, laden with essential goods, remain under the Arakan Army's control, and negotiations are underway. Shipowners, who are mostly Myanmar nationals, are reportedly attempting to communicate with the armed group in hopes of securing the release of the cargo.

The blockade has also significantly impacted the Teknaf region’s economy, which relies heavily on border trade. Experts warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to substantial economic losses for both countries, particularly for Bangladeshi traders, whose businesses are already grappling with the challenges of inflation and currency fluctuations.

The Arakan Army’s actions come amidst a broader backdrop of instability in Myanmar, where armed groups have expanded their influence in border areas following the military coup in 2021. The group’s demand for a commission on border trade underscores the growing complexities of operating in this politically volatile region.

While the Bangladeshi government has yet to make an official statement on the matter, concerned stakeholders urge swift diplomatic action to ensure the safe release of the detained ships and to restore border trade on the Naf River.

The Arakan Army's move to control cross-border trade marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the region and presents new challenges for businesses reliant on the Bangladesh-Myanmar trade corridor. For now, the future of trade along the Naf River remains uncertain, leaving traders and policymakers alike on edge.
 

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