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Whether the exact wording is officially documented or not, the statement reflects a broader historical and political debate. Below is a long historical overview to understand the context.
1. Ancient Arakan and Early Kingdoms
Arakan (Rakhine) has a long and independent history:
The ancient kingdom of Mrauk-U (15th–18th century) was a powerful Arakanese kingdom.
It had close cultural, economic, and political ties with Bengal.
Muslim communities, including court officials, scholars, traders, and soldiers, lived in Arakan centuries before British rule.
Persian and Bengali influences were visible in coins, administration, and court culture.
This shows that Arakan historically had strong connections with Bengal — but it was politically a separate kingdom.
2. Burmese Conquest (1784)
In 1784, the Burmese Konbaung dynasty conquered Arakan. Thousands of people fled to Bengal (then under British control). This migration created deeper demographic links between Arakan and Bengal.
3. British Colonial Period (1824–1948)
After the First Anglo-Burmese War, the British annexed Arakan in 1826.
Important points:
Arakan was administered as part of British India.
Labor migration from Bengal into Arakan increased.
The British treated the region as one economic zone.
This colonial migration later became the foundation of the claim that Rohingya are “Bengali immigrants.” However, historical records show Muslim communities were present in Arakan long before British rule.
4. Independence and Identity Conflict
Burma (now Myanmar) became independent in 1948.
Rohingya leaders sought recognition as an ethnic group.
The government of Myanmar gradually denied Rohingya ethnic status.
The 1982 Citizenship Law effectively made most Rohingya stateless.
Bangladesh, since its independence in 1971, has consistently described Rohingya as a Myanmar ethnic minority — not as Bangladeshis.
5. Political Meaning of the Quote
The logic behind the statement:
> If Rohingya are truly “Bengali” (meaning foreigners from Bangladesh),
then historically Arakan had deep Bengali influence —
so by the same argument, one could claim Arakan belongs to Bangladesh.
This is more of a political argument highlighting inconsistency, rather than a territorial claim.
Bangladesh has never officially claimed Arakan territory.
6. Modern Context
Today:
Rohingya are recognized internationally as an ethnic minority of Myanmar.
The case regarding crimes against Rohingya is under investigation at the International Criminal Court.
Bangladesh hosts over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar.
Conclusion
Historically:
Arakan had deep connections with Bengal.
Muslim communities lived there for centuries.
Political borders changed many times.
Rohingya identity is rooted in Arakan’s long multicultural history.
The debate over whether Rohingya are “Bengali” or indigenous to Arakan is not just about ethnicity — it is about history, citizenship, power, and recognition.