By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, August 17, 2025 — The Arakan Army (AA) has reportedly collected 10 million kyats from 12 Rohingya businessmen in northern Maungdaw Township, according to local sources.
Meeting at Kyikanpyin Headquarters
The businessmen, from Kyauk Hlaw Ka, Mingala Gyi, and Pawn Zar villages, were summoned to the AA/ULA headquarters in Kyikanpyin village on Saturday morning. During the meeting, AA/ULA officials told them that financial contributions were necessary to support the group’s administrative operations.
A local resident explained that the businessmen were asked to contribute in order to “keep the administration running.” He added:
“They asked everyone to support as much as they could and then collected 10 million kyats in total. It was not taken by force but rather through understanding.”
AA’s Outreach to Rohingya Communities
In recent weeks, AA leaders have held a series of meetings with Rohingya villagers, urging them to back AA/ULA’s administration, reject Rohingya armed groups, and provide financial support. The latest contribution from Rohingya businessmen is seen as part of these ongoing efforts to consolidate control in northern Maungdaw.
While AA/ULA has promoted these meetings as cooperation with the Muslim community, local residents say many Rohingya view the financial burden as yet another layer of hardship in an already fragile economy.
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