by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw, Arakan State | May 27, 2026
Rohingya residents in Ward No. 2 of Maungdaw say they are facing pressure, threats, and forced money collection connected to a local night guard system imposed in the area.
According to local residents, every Rohingya household in the ward is reportedly required to pay around 60,000 kyats each month if family members are unable to participate in night guard duty.
Residents also alleged that some villagers have faced intimidation and harsh treatment from individuals connected to the ward administration.
One resident shared an audio recording in which the son of the ward administrator, identified as Mamad Nur, could reportedly be heard threatening villagers.
According to residents, the recording included statements claiming that the entire town of Maungdaw was under their control.
Villagers further alleged that residents were warned they could be forcibly recruited into military service or accused of links with ARSA if they refused to follow instructions.
Local residents said Ward No. 2 contains more than 540 households and that families are expected to participate in night guard duty three or four times every month.
According to villagers, households that cannot send someone for duty are required to pay 20,000 kyats for each missed night.
Residents said many families are now spending between 60,000 and 80,000 kyats every month under the system, creating a serious financial burden for ordinary people already struggling with daily survival.
Villagers also questioned how the collected money is being used.
Residents said there are reportedly only four guard points in the ward, with four people assigned to each location, meaning only 16 people are actually performing guard duty each night.
However, according to villagers, the official duty lists reportedly contain around 45 names every day.
People in the area questioned why money continues to be collected from individuals who are not actually participating in the guard work.
“We simply want transparency and want to know where the collected money is going,” one resident said.
Residents also alleged that individuals connected to the ward administration and people associated with the Arakan Army are often excused from guard duty while ordinary villagers continue carrying the burden.
Community members are now calling for an investigation into the allegations and for an end to what they described as abuse of power inside the ward.
