Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the leader of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), along with five accomplices on Tuesday. The arrests took place in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, with an RAB official confirming the operation but withholding further details.
ARSA and Its Role in Regional Insurgency
The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), formerly known as Harakah al-Yaqin, is a Rohingya insurgent group active in northern Rakhine State, Myanmar. ARSA has been accused of carrying out attacks in Myanmar, contributing to the ongoing violence and displacement of the Rohingya community. The arrest of Ataullah is seen as a significant step in addressing cross-border insurgency and maintaining regional stability.
US Allegations and Bangladesh’s Response
On Monday, US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard accused Bangladesh of “persecution and killing” of religious minorities and warned of the growing threat of Islamic extremism rooted in the ideology of establishing an Islamist caliphate.
In response, Bangladesh’s interim government expressed deep concern over the remarks, calling them “misleading and damaging” to the country’s image. The government reiterated that the attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, were politically motivated and not religiously driven.
Chief Adviser’s Assurance of Action
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus assured that the government had taken prompt action against those responsible for the attacks on minorities after the political changeover in August last year. Yunus made these remarks while meeting US Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Regional Security Concerns Intensify
The arrest of Ataullah comes at a time of heightened security concerns in the region. Bangladesh remains committed to tackling extremist threats and maintaining stability within its borders, while also addressing concerns raised by international stakeholders.
