by Hafizur Rahman
Buthidaung–Maungdaw, November 14, 2025 —
Nineteen Rohingya men who were reportedly forced into military service and later jailed for alleged links with the Myanmar junta have been transferred from Buthidaung Prison to Laimyo Prison, according to family members and local residents. Their release, which many in the Rohingya community believed would take place this week, has been unexpectedly delayed.
Community representatives say the Arakan Army (AA) had earlier indicated that the detainees would be freed as a goodwill gesture to mark the 47th birthday of the AA’s Commander-in-Chief. Families prepared to receive their loved ones, waiting through the night in expectation.
But the anticipated release never happened. No prisoners were freed, and no explanation was given.
A relative in Buthidaung described the disappointment:
“We were told to get ready. We believed they would come home that day. When nothing happened, it broke our hearts,” he said.
Another family member from Maungdaw said all paperwork had already been completed.
“Everything was done. We were just waiting for the call. Now they tell us nothing. This delay is very painful,” she said.
Residents say the postponement has shaken what little confidence had been building between Rohingya and Rakhine communities. Many had hoped that the release would be a small but meaningful step toward reducing tensions in the region.
A young Rohingya man whose brother is among the detainees expressed his concern:
“My brother has been suffering in prison for months. We thought this was the moment he would return. Now we don’t know what to believe anymore.”
For now, the 19 Rohingya men remain in Laimyo Prison, and the AA has not announced any new date or timeline for their release. Families say they are once again waiting — this time with hope mixed with deep uncertainty.
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