By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, June 08, 2026
Sixteen Rohingya from Buthidaung Township have been detained by the Arakan Army (AA) after being sent back from Bangladesh, according to local residents and witnesses on June 7, 2026.
The group, which included women, elderly people, and infants, reportedly tried to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh by boat on the night of June 6. However, they were stopped and detained by Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) personnel while attempting to enter the country.
Witnesses said that at around 5:00 a.m. on June 7, the group was returned to the Myanmar side of the border near Mingala Gyi village in Maungdaw Township.
After being sent back, the Rohingya group was left near the riverbank outside the border fence. As heavy rain continued to fall, they reportedly tried to enter the nearby village for safety. Shortly afterward, AA border guards detained them and took them to the Pyin Phyu Chaung Wa outpost at around 6:00 a.m.
Local residents said the group remains in custody at the outpost.
Witnesses also expressed concern about their condition. The group included breastfeeding babies and elderly people who needed walking sticks to move around.
Many had been exposed to heavy rain for hours and were reportedly suffering from cold weather and exhaustion.
“We saw small children and elderly people soaked by the rain. They looked very tired and weak,” said one local witness.
Another resident said, “The weather was very bad, and many of them were shivering from the cold. People are worried about their health.”
The situation has raised concerns among local residents, who say the detained Rohingya may need shelter, food, and medical assistance, especially the children and elderly members of the group.
