by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township, Arakan State | May 30, 2026
Residents in Maungdaw Township say the Arakan Army has imposed a nighttime curfew and instructed households to build bomb shelters amid concerns over possible airstrikes in the area.
According to local residents, the curfew applies to both northern and southern parts of Maungdaw Township. People have reportedly been ordered to remain inside their homes between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Residents said the order was announced on May 22.
Local sources also reported that authorities instructed every household to prepare a bomb shelter to protect family members in the event of aerial attacks.
“The curfew was announced before Eid al-Adha,” a resident from northern Maungdaw told Rohingya Khobor. “People are worried because we have many things to prepare for the festival, but moving around has become difficult.”
Another resident said many families are struggling to comply with the order because of financial difficulties.
“We are trying to follow the instructions, but many families do not have enough money or space to build proper bomb shelters,” the resident said. “It is creating extra pressure on people who are already struggling.”
A third resident said the curfew has not yet been strictly enforced because of the Eid holiday period.
“So far, we have not seen strict action against people outside during curfew hours because of Eid,” the resident said. “But many people fear that the rules will be enforced more strictly after the festival ends.”
Residents said the curfew has disrupted daily activities and made it more difficult for families to complete preparations for Eid al-Adha.
Many households are now attempting to balance festival preparations while complying with the new security measures introduced in the township.
