by Hafizur Rahman
Buthidaung, Arakan, August 30, 2025 — The Arakan Army (AA) has arrested U Issalam, the leader of Sin Nhyin Pyin village, along with his brother. Both were taken from their home on August 27 under accusations of having links with the Arsa group, and are reportedly facing harsh treatment in custody.
Village Leader Detained
U Issalam was appointed as village leader by the Arakan Army itself and has served in that role for some time. Local residents insist that neither he nor his brother has any connection to armed groups and that both have always opposed Arsa’s actions.
The exact location where the two men are being held remains unknown, leaving their family and neighbors deeply worried. Residents have called on the Arakan Army and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), to release them immediately, stressing that both men have lived peacefully with people of different ethnic and religious communities.
Crisis Worsens in Rakhine and Bangladesh
The arrests come as the Rohingya crisis in Arakan State grows more severe. The Arakan Army has faced repeated allegations of war crimes against Rohingya, including forced displacement, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on civilians. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that the group had expelled Rohingya from their homes in Buthidaung, leaving them without food or water for a full day during interrogations.
Across the border in Bangladesh, more than 1.3 million Rohingya refugees are struggling in Cox’s Bazar, the world’s largest refugee settlement. Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, announced on August 25 that the country can no longer allocate additional resources for the refugees, urging the international community to step in with sustainable solutions. Conditions in the camps continue to deteriorate, with half the population made up of children who lack access to formal education and adequate food supplies.
Urgent Calls for Action
The detention of U Issalam and his brother has added to growing concerns about the treatment of Rohingya under AA control. Local residents are demanding their immediate release and calling for an end to arbitrary arrests.
As conditions worsen in both Rakhine State and Bangladesh, rights defenders warn that without urgent international intervention, the Rohingya people will continue to face insecurity, displacement, and denial of basic dignity.
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