Allegation of Turning Nabi Hossain’s Network into a ‘Proxy’ Force Raises Fresh Concerns Along Border

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

Fresh concerns have emerged over the activities of armed Rohingya groups along the Myanmar border. Allegations have surfaced that attempts are being made, under the patronage of a foreign intelligence agency, to transform the network led by Rohingya armed group leader Nabi Hossain into a powerful “proxy” force.

According to several sources familiar with the matter, Nabi Hossain’s network, which had previously been primarily active around drug and arms trafficking, is now allegedly being developed into an armed force capable of influencing border security, geopolitical developments and political equations. As part of the alleged plan, efforts are reportedly underway to establish communication between Nabi Hossain and the Arakan Army, despite their longstanding differences, while also bringing various armed groups active in Rohingya camps under a common sphere of influence, the sources claimed.

Several sources close to Nabi Hossain said the supply of modern and heavy weapons to his network is being increased as part of the alleged plan. At the same time, greater emphasis is reportedly being placed on training in the use of heavy weapons, including rockets, recruiting new members and strengthening organisational capabilities. They also claimed that part of the money generated from drug trafficking is being used to purchase weapons, recruit members and strengthen communication networks.

The sources alleged that an attempt is being made to establish a network modelled on various Iran-based proxy groups—one whose direct control would not be publicly visible but which could potentially be used to serve specific interests.

Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) leader Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi has been in a Bangladeshi prison for a long time. Against this backdrop, efforts are reportedly underway to bring members of various Rohingya armed groups, including Abdul Khalek, who is currently among those leading the organisation, under a common structure, according to sources familiar with the matter.

According to them, such a network could potentially develop the capacity to create instability along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, put pressure on border security and undermine Bangladesh’s strategic position.

Meanwhile, law enforcement personnel working at the field level and several sources close to Nabi Hossain’s network claimed that some of the weapons looted from various police stations and police facilities across the country have reached his network.

According to the sources, at least 17 pistols have so far reached Nabi Hossain’s network through various intermediaries. Another shipment of 10 looted pistols is reportedly awaiting delivery to his group.

The reported transfer of law enforcement weapons into the hands of an armed group has raised concern among security officials. Sources familiar with the investigation said the names of several people allegedly involved in collecting and supplying the weapons have also emerged.

Among them is Abu Bashar of Palongkhali area in Ukhia. He is locally known to be involved in managing the finances of Nabi Hossain’s drug network. In addition, Golam Mawla of Garjoniya area in Ramu and Ilias Majhi of Dhumdhum, along with several others, have allegedly helped collect looted weapons and deliver them to Nabi’s network.

However, no comments could be obtained from the individuals concerned regarding these allegations.

According to several intelligence and related sources, Nabi Hossain is believed to control nearly 3,000 heavy and modern firearms. These reportedly include military rifles such as G-3, M-16 and AK-47, various foreign-made pistols, as well as heavy grenades and rocket-type weapons.

The sources said a large portion of the weapons is believed to be stockpiled in areas along the Myanmar border. However, these claims could not be independently verified.

Some local elected representatives claim that the actual number of weapons held by Nabi Hossain could be even higher. M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palongkhali Union Parishad, claimed that a large number of members are active within Nabi Hossain’s network and that many people involved in drug trafficking are in one way or another connected to his group.

Nabi Hossain has long faced allegations of involvement in drug trafficking, arms collection and armed activities. In 2022, reports about plans by his network to acquire a large quantity of weapons brought the issue into widespread discussion.

Subsequently, information emerged from various operations conducted by law enforcement agencies that M-16 rifles, AK-47s, foreign-made pistols and grenades, among other weapons, had been recovered from individuals allegedly linked to his network. Several people were also arrested in connection with those incidents.

In 2022, a reward of Tk 1 million was announced for information leading to Nabi Hossain’s arrest. Recently, his brother Mohammad Kamal was shot dead in a Rohingya camp, following which Nabi’s group has come under some pressure inside the camp, according to sources familiar with the situation.

After August 25, 2017, when Rohingya people fled Myanmar’s Rakhine State and entered Bangladesh, Nabi Hossain also came to Bangladesh. Police and various Rohingya leaders have claimed that he later became involved in drug trafficking centred around the Rohingya camps.

Around 2018, he allegedly built a powerful network by bringing yaba shipments from Myanmar and distributing them in Teknaf and the Rohingya camp areas. Later, according to law enforcement agencies and local residents, an armed group was formed under his leadership.

At different times, information emerged about his network having influence in Balukhali and several other Rohingya camps. He has also been accused of seeking the assistance of multiple groups in arms collection and armed activities in addition to drug trafficking.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources said operations and surveillance to arrest Nabi Hossain are continuing. His movements in the border areas and the activities of his associated network are being closely monitored.

Officials of the 8 Armed Police Battalion (APBn) also said regular operations are being conducted against armed criminals, including Nabi Hossain’s group, in the Rohingya camps. Such activities will continue to maintain security in the camps, they said.

Security analyst and retired Major Mohammad Emdadul Islam said that if reports of a large quantity of modern weapons being held by an armed group are true, it would be a serious concern not only for the camps but also for border and national security. In his view, merely arresting the individuals involved would not be enough; authorities need to identify the source of the weapons, the financial supply, storage locations and the entire supply network and take effective action.

The presence of weapons along the border, increasing communication among Rohingya armed groups and the flow of drug-generated funds have collectively made the issue increasingly important for Bangladesh’s security and border management.