by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, September 14, 2025 – A historic mosque in Maungdaw town has reopened after 13 years, bringing renewed hope for cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence in the troubled region.
A Site of Historical and Spiritual Value
The mosque, located in Block 2 of Maungdaw, is nearly 200 years old and has long been regarded as one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks for the Rohingya community. For generations, it served as both a spiritual center and a symbol of identity.
The mosque was first closed in June 2012, when ethnic and religious violence spread across northern Rakhine State. Since then, it remained abandoned, a stark reminder of the communal tensions that reshaped life in Maungdaw.
Years of Neglect and Conflict
Although the Myanmar junta briefly reopened the mosque in April 2024, renewed fighting in the town forced its closure once more. During that period, Arakan Army troops stationed themselves inside the compound. Villagers reported that the mosque deteriorated badly, with broken structures, garbage, and overgrown plants left unattended.
Community Reaction
Local residents welcomed the reopening but also voiced concerns.
“We are happy that the mosque has reopened after so many years. This place is part of our history, and it should be respected as a sacred space,” said a Rohingya elder from Maungdaw.
Yet villagers also described how Arakan Army soldiers had entered the mosque grounds without removing their shoes, behavior considered deeply disrespectful in Islam.
“The reopening gives us hope that people of different backgrounds can live together in peace. But we also want the authorities to repair the damages and stop soldiers from disrespecting the holy ground,” a young Rohingya resident told Rohingya Khobor.
Toward Coexistence and Heritage Protection
The reopening is being seen as a small step toward preserving Maungdaw’s cultural and religious heritage, but residents stress that real progress requires respect and protection. They have urged authorities to ensure the mosque is restored properly, safeguarded from further militarization, and maintained as a place of worship.
A Symbol of Hope
For many in Maungdaw, the reopening of the mosque after more than a decade represents not only a return to faith but also a sign that peace and coexistence remain possible in a region long fractured by violence.
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