THE Naf River is a natural marvel, both magnificent and strategic, forming a vital boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar鈥檚 Arakan State. As it runs from the fall of Khayaparir Tong to the Bay of Bengal, the river鈥檚听geopolitical significance is undeniable. However, the division of its waters between the two nations, based on the flawed application of the Median Line principle, remains a source of contention.
The Naf River stretches with an average depth of 128 feet (39 meters), reaching depths up to 400 feet (120 meters) in some places. Its width ranges from 1.61km to 3.22km at the river鈥檚 mouth.
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Saint Martin Island: Mouth of the Naf River
AT THE mouth of the river, Saint Martin Island lies in close proximity, facing the rugged mountains of Arakan, Myanmar 鈥� a crucial geographical point that also highlights the sensitive nature of the maritime boundary. The island is not only a natural wonder but also a strategic location, controlling access to the mouth of the river and beyond. It serves as a vital point in the maritime boundary disputes between Bangladesh and Myanmar, with Myanmar claiming the island.
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Ownership of Khayaparir Tong Hill
THE history of Khayaparir Tong Hill dates back to the mid-17th century. Khayapari, a Morong woman from the Morong tribe in Bandarban, built a small house, or tong, on top of the hill and ruled the surrounding area. She was a notorious figure, even maintaining a private army. However, her reign was cut short when Arab traders, led by a figure named Hanifa, ousted her and took control of the region, including the area surrounding Paokhali Lake. A portion of the water from Paokhali Lake also flows towards the Arakan mountains and eventually joins the Naf River and empties into the Bay of Bengal, thus forming a key geographical feature in the region.
The area of Khayapari鈥檚 rule was initially under the jurisdiction of the Bandarban region, which the British recognised as part of the Chittagong district. The British occupation of this region in the 18th century further solidified its strategic importance.
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The first Anglo-Burmese war
THE British forces, under Major General Sir Archibald Campbell, launched a military campaign in 1824 to expel Burmese forces from Shahapari Island, an island situated at the southwestern edge of the Naf River.
After a brief war, the Burmese forces were expelled from Shahapari Island. Having reoccupied the island, the East India Company established its authority in the region of Shahapari Island, and the British forces crossed the Naf River to occupy whole Burma. More than a division of troops from the 7th Madras Infantry moved to Irrawati Basin to occupy Rangoon, thereby opening the chapter of the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824鈥�1826). The fall of听Burma to the East India Company, later the British Empire in India, marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Burma, which lasted until the independence of Burma in 1948.
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The 1948 defective boundary line
FOLLOWING the conclusion of the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1826, Arakan became an administrative division of the British Empire covering modern-day Rakhin State of Myanmar, the administration of which was placed under the Bengal Presidency, headquartered in Calcutta.
The principal division of Arakan included the Naf River estuary in the north, which forms the boundary between the Arakan division and Chittagong. The land from Chittagong Hill Tracts to the south east of Arakan Hills was demarcated in 1948 with an erected boundary demarcation pillar, which was removed by the Marma tribal people later. Nevertheless, the demarcation of the Naf River was not proper and confusing.
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The issue of Totardip Island
ONE of the most significant disputes in recent history concerns the island of Totardip, located off the coast of Whykong in the Teknaf sub-district of Bangladesh. In 1958, Burma occupied听 this small island,听 which听 had historically been used by the people of Nila Union and Whykong for fishing and cattle grazing. Despite its clear geographical proximity to Bangladesh, the island was never recovered, largely due to Pakistan鈥檚 foreign policy priorities during the Cold War and its relations with Burma.
The territorial violations and tensions along the Naf River, including issues surrounding the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island, have persisted. In 2023, Myanmar escalated these tensions by claiming both Saint Martin Island and its surrounding waters, leading to frequent听 clashes听 and听 firings听 on Bangladeshi fishermen and passenger boats operating in the region.
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The strategic importance of the Naf River
THE British recognised the strategic importance of the Naf River during听World War II, when Japanese forces occupied Burma, including the eastern coast of the Naf River. In response, the British stationed troops on the Naf River鈥檚 western coast, with artillery stationed on Nytong Hill to prevent听Japanese forces from crossing the river. This military presence听underscored the river鈥檚 importance as a defensive and strategic feature, which led to the departure of the Japanese troops from Burma in 1943.
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Present-day tensions and the role of the Arakan Army
THE situation along the Naf River has been further complicated by ongoing conflicts in Myanmar. The Arakan Army, a separatist group based in听Myanmar鈥檚 Rakhine State, has gained control of much of the coastal region along the Naf River. Meanwhile, the Arakan Army continues to control the coastal areas of Arakan, leading to a volatile situation along the river. This conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military junta has听destabilised the region, creating further insecurity for Bangladesh,听especially along the south-eastern border. Violent clashes, territorial听incursions, and violations of Bangladesh鈥檚 maritime boundary have become more frequent. The presence of both the Myanmar military junta and the Arakan Army on the other side of the Naf River complicates the situation, as Bangladesh must navigate both groups while ensuring its territorial integrity.
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Recommendations for Bangladesh鈥檚 defence
IN LIGHT of the current instability in Myanmar and the growing threat to听Bangladesh鈥檚 territorial integrity, Bangladesh must adopt a more robust defence posture along the Naf River. To protect its maritime boundaries and prevent further violations, Bangladesh should:
Enhance Naval and Coast Guard presence: Deploy advanced warships and gunboats along the entire length of the Naf River, with particular attention to its mouth and the waters surrounding Saint Martin Island.
Strengthen Border Guards of Bangladesh: Increase the presence of the BGB in the region, ensuring tight security on both land and water borders.
Gunboat diplomacy: Utilise gunboat diplomacy to assert control over disputed areas and demonstrate Bangladesh鈥檚 resolve to protect its sovereignty. This could be used as a deterrent against further incursions by Myanmar鈥檚 military forces or the Arakan Army.
Diplomatic efforts: Continue diplomatic engagement with Myanmar to resolve boundary issues peacefully. However, Bangladesh must be prepared for the possibility that diplomacy may fail, in which case military measures may be necessary.
Engage with the Arakan Army: Given the Arakan Army鈥檚 control over the eastern coast of the Naf River, Bangladesh should explore avenues for dialogue or negotiation to reduce tensions with the group, recognising their influence over the region.
Strengthen international alliances: Bangladesh should seek international support and engage with neighbouring countries, as well as international organisations, to ensure its territorial integrity is upheld and that Myanmar is held accountable for its actions.
Build a safe passage to Saint Martin Island: A proposed jetty on the southern coast of Dakhinpara (facing St. Martin), Shah Porir Dwip, should be built. This would allow safe passage to Saint Martin Island and vice versa, avoiding the disputed territorial waters on the mouth of the Naf River. During British and Pakistani times, there was a channel known as Badr Mukan Channel, which was used by commercial and passenger ships from the then Pakistan Bazar, Chittagong, to Teknaf. This channel should be revived by dredging the water for strategic and commercial purposes.
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Conclusion
THE Naf River is not only a physical boundary but a symbol of strategic importance in the听 geopolitics听 of听 South听 Asia.听 As tensions between Bangladesh and Myanmar escalate, particularly over the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and surrounding waters, Bangladesh must assert its territorial claims with both military and diplomatic strength. By enhancing its defence capabilities along the Naf River and pursuing a multi-pronged approach to diplomacy, Bangladesh can safeguard its interests in the region and maintain peace along its southern border.
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Dr Habibur Rahman is an internationally renowned researcher, historian and maritime boundary expert.