Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, leader and self-proclaimed “Commander-in-Chief” of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), notorious for border crimes, was arrested in Dhaka, marking a significant achievement for Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies.
In a significant operation by the Rapid Action Battalion – 11, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) leader Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, was arrested in Dhaka for being involved in several serious crimes and activities along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. The arrest, which took place on March 16, 2025, was a major success for Bangladesh’s law enforcement in curbing terrorism and illegal activities carried out by cross-border militant groups.
Ataullah and his group ARSA, are responsible for multiple violent activities, including the killing of murder of DGFI officer Squadron Leader Rizwan Rushdi, killing of Rohingya leader Muhibullah and multiple killings in Rohingya camps. He was also implicated for drug trafficking and terrorist activities across the border.
The arrest of Ataullah and several of his associates in Dhaka, away from the volatile border regions, is considered a substantial blow to ARSA’s operations. Along with Ataullah, six other individuals were arrested, including members of ARSA’s network from various parts of Bangladesh. They were brought before the court in Narayanganj, where they were granted 10 days remand for further investigation.
Authorities hailed the operation as a significant accomplishment in their efforts to dismantle cross-border militant networks that threaten national security. The successful capture of Ataullah demonstrates the increasing effectiveness of Bangladesh’s security forces in addressing such challenges, even in urban settings far from the border areas.
Liberty News’ crime correspondent states that this arrest is seen as a major step in the ongoing battle against terrorism and cross-border militancy, sending a strong message that those involved in such activities will be held accountable, no matter where they operate from.
LND/BG
