by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, Myanmar | April 15, 2026
The Arakan Army has collected large sums of money from Rohingya businessmen in Maungdaw Township, according to local sources, raising concern among residents about increasing pressure and insecurity.
Sources said that on April 8, members of the Arakan Army summoned 15 Rohingya businessmen from villages under Area 6 and demanded payments described as emergency support. The funds were reportedly intended for repairs to the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone and road improvements in the area.
Each businessman was required to pay between 5 million and 10 million kyats, with the total amount collected estimated at around 100 million kyats.
Local sources said the move comes amid plans to reopen the Maungdaw Teknaf trade route, with preparations underway to facilitate the movement of goods between the Kanyin Chaung Economic Zone and Teknaf port.
Residents said the economic zone requires repairs, which was cited as a justification for the payments.
Rohingya businessmen described the payments as forced. One businessman told Rohingya Khobor, “We are already struggling to survive, but now we are being asked to give large amounts of money. It is very difficult for us.”
Another said, “They called us and did not give us a choice. We had to pay what they asked.”
A village resident said the situation has created widespread fear. “People are living in fear. Not only money, but we are also being threatened in other ways,” the resident said.
Sources added that on April 10, Rohingya village leaders from northern Maungdaw were called to a meeting, where they were reportedly threatened with weapons and instructed to remove fences around their homes.
Residents said these actions have increased fear and uncertainty within the Rohingya community in the area.
