by Hafizur Rahman
Buthidaung, October 19, 2025:
The Arakan Army (AA) has returned previously confiscated Bangladeshi SIM cards to Rohingya residents from Sein Taung, Kan Taung, and nearby villages located on the eastern side of the Mayu River in Buthidaung Township, according to local sources.
SIM Cards Returned After Meeting
On October 18, AA members reportedly gathered Rohingya villagers for a meeting where they warned them not to share information with any foreign organisations. Following the meeting, the confiscated SIM cards were returned to their owners.
“AA called us to a meeting and told us not to send news or information to outside groups. After that, they gave back the Bangladeshi SIM cards they had taken from us,” said a Rohingya villager from Kan Taung.
Lifeline for Communication Restored
Locals explained that the use of Bangladeshi SIM cards became widespread after Myanmar authorities shut down all local mobile and internet networks in 2023, leaving Myanmar SIM cards unusable. Since then, many Rohingya families have relied on Bangladeshi networks to communicate with relatives working abroad.
“After our SIM cards were taken, we could not contact our sons and daughters living in other countries. Everyone in the village was very sad,” said another resident from Sein Taung.
Relief Among Villagers
Community members expressed relief after being allowed to use their SIM cards again. “Now that we can use Bangladeshi SIM cards freely, we are very happy and feel connected again with our families,” a Rohingya villager told Rohingya Khobor.
Residents said they hope communication restrictions will not return, as phone access remains one of the few ways to stay in touch with loved ones and access news about the ongoing situation in Rakhine State.
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