Rapid Action Battalion, or RAB, has arrested a Buddhist philanthropist on terrorism charges, whose charity operates in Myanmar’s strife-torn Rakhine state.
Ushit Maung Rakhaing, 67, was detained as he tried to board a flight to Myanmar at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on October 18. Hailing from Taltali upazila of Barguna, he lives at Pallabi in Dhaka with his wife Sumraraja Leen alias Mamaya, 58.
Maung, who heads the Rakhaing Development Foundation, had been detained after suspicious photos and documents were allegedly found on his laptop.
Contacted, RAB 1 Commanding Officer Lt Col Sarwar Bin Kashem told the Dhaka Tribune that Maung was arrested for his involvement in anti-state activities. “He was handed over to the airport police station.”
Noor-e-Azam Mia, officer-in-charge of the police station, too confirmed the arrest of the Buddhist man.
A case was filed against him under the Anti-terrorism Act.
Meanwhile, a Dhaka court granted him a three-day remand after the police produced him before the court, according to Noor-e-Azam.
According to the case statement, RAB recently stepped up vigil following intelligence that some ethnic minority people have long been maintaining secret contacts with Myanmar’s secessionist groups such as the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP).
“Law enforcers came to learn that Maung communicated with the ALP on several occasions. Acting on a tip-off, a RAB tea raided the airport area and detained him as he tried to fly for Myanmar,” the statement reads.
During a primary interrogation, the law enforces found some anti-state documents and photos with armed militant groups of Myanmar on Maung’s laptop. His wife Sumraja, a Myanmar national, has been actively involved in the ALP, it adds.
The statement also says the ALP claims Chittagong to be a part of Rakhine and has been plotting to destabilise peace and stability in Bangladesh by organising the country’s Rakhine community.
“Maung and Sumraja used to gather intelligence and send it to the authorities concerned in the neighbouring country. They also used to provide monetary assistance to the ALP,” it adds.
The case statement reads the duo tried to employ members of the ALP’s armed wing to create panic among Bangladeshi people living in border areas.
Contacted, Maung’s sister Aye Thein Rakhaing claimed, however, that her brother was innocent and described the charges against him as false.
“He works for both the Muslims and Buddhists. He works there (Rakhine) for peace,” said Thein, a former lawmaker from the ruling Awami League.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
