Bangladesh-Myanmar gas pipeline would require Arakan Army approval, analysts say

By Admin 07 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 August 2026, Mrauk-U        

A proposed natural gas pipeline to export gas from Myanmar to Bangladesh is unlikely to proceed without the approval of the Arakan Army, according to Arakanese political analysts and Bangladesh affairs experts.

The military regime and Bangladeshi authorities have discussed a plan for Bangladesh to import natural gas from Myanmar via a pipeline to help meet its growing domestic energy demand.

The proposal was raised following a meeting on August 2 between Bangladesh's Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmud, and Myanmar's junta-appointed ambassador to Bangladesh, U Kyaw Soe Moe.

Analysts said any pipeline passing through Arakan State would require the consent of the Arakan Army, which controls most of the territory.

"About 90 percent of Arakan State, including the border areas, is under the control of the Arakan Army," Arakanese political analyst U Myo Kyaw told DMG. "If Bangladesh wants to build a pipeline through Arakan State, it cannot be implemented without the agreement of the Arakan Army."

Fighting continues in several parts of Arakan State, including Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships.

U Myo Kyaw added that the proposal remains at a preliminary stage, with no clear timeline for implementation.

The Arakan Army has controlled areas bordering Bangladesh, including Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Paletwa, since early 2024, effectively overseeing the entire border area.

The gas Bangladesh hopes to import is produced by the offshore Shwe Gas Project in Arakan State, and the proposal involves constructing a new pipeline to transport the gas to Chittagong.

DMG Chief Editor and political analyst U Aung Marm Oo said the Arakan Army could support the project if it delivered tangible benefits to Arakan State.

"If the project benefits Arakan State, it could gain the Arakan Army's support," he said. "Whether it is gas or oil, any project passing through Arakan State will require a certain level of recognition of the Arakan Army. Without its approval, the project cannot move forward. The Arakan Army has welcomed foreign investment and invited investors. Therefore, it would likely support mutually beneficial cooperation with Bangladesh, India or other countries."

Bangladesh affairs experts said the country's demand for fuel and energy continues to rise as its manufacturing sector expands and its population grows.

Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Major-General Twan Mrat Naing has previously expressed his intention to maintain good relations with the Bangladeshi government.

Although communication between the Bangladeshi government and the Arakan Army on border-related issues is understood to be taking place, neither side has made any official public disclosure.