By: Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Rakhine State – July 19, 2025
Five bodies believed to be of Rohingya civilians were found floating in the Naf River early Friday morning, near a known Arakan Army (AA) camp situated between Shwezar and Pawnzar villages in Maungdaw Township, northern Rakhine State.
The discovery was made by local fishermen who were out at dawn. According to one fisherman, the bodies were drifting with the rising tide at the river mouth. “We saw them slowly floating in from the direction of Buthidaung. Two male bodies appeared near the west bank of Pawnzar, and then another two — one male and one female — surfaced near the AA camp area,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
A fifth body, also male, was later found near Shwezar village’s western side. All five bodies appeared to have floated downstream toward Maungdaw. Their identities have not been confirmed, but local sources suspect they were originally from Buthidaung Township, where intense clashes and targeted violence against Rohingya have been reported in recent months.
While photos of some of the bodies were discreetly taken, the female victim’s body was reportedly floating dangerously close to the AA camp. “No one dared to go near. We didn’t even take a photo — everyone was terrified,” the fisherman added.
The exact cause of death remains unknown. However, the incident has raised alarm among Rohingya communities on both sides of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, especially given its proximity to AA-controlled territory.
Two days prior to the discovery, on July 17, a boat carrying three Rohingya families reportedly attempted to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh. Border guards in Bangladesh turned the boat back, citing lack of entry clearance. What became of the boat remains unclear, but some community members fear it may have capsized — or worse, come under attack as it neared AA positions.
Community observers say this incident reflects growing fears among displaced Rohingya who are attempting to flee Myanmar amid escalating violence. Many worry that both drowning and enforced disappearances are becoming more common, particularly in zones under AA control where information is heavily restricted and surveillance is high.
This is a developing story. The circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be independently verified.
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