By Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw and Buthidaung, Arakan State | June, 13, 2026
Many Rohingya families across Arakan State are facing increasing difficulties as displacement, travel restrictions, fears of military recruitment, and the loss of homes continue to affect their daily lives.
In recent days, several incidents have highlighted the challenges facing Rohingya communities in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, where many people say they are struggling to find safety and stability.
On June 5, a group of 46 Rohingya, including children, elderly people, and individuals suffering from long-term illnesses, were left stranded along the Naf River after being returned from Bangladesh. According to local residents, the group had fled from Buthidaung because of worsening living conditions, including food shortages and ongoing displacement.
After being sent back, the families were reportedly unable to return to their villages and remained on the riverbank with very little food, drinking water, or shelter. Residents said many of them had nowhere else to go and were forced to wait in difficult conditions.
Just two days later, another group of 16 Rohingya from Buthidaung Township faced a similar situation. The group, which included women, elderly people, and small children, reportedly attempted to cross the border but was returned. Local sources said they spent hours in heavy rain before being detained by the Arakan Army (AA) near Mingala Gyi village in Maungdaw Township.
The incidents have added to concerns among Rohingya families already struggling with displacement. Many people from Buthidaung are now living in temporary shelters after leaving their homes. With the rainy season underway, conditions have become even harder as flooding and bad weather affect daily life.
At the same time, residents in several villages of Maungdaw Township say military recruitment registration has recently resumed. According to local sources, village authorities have been collecting the names of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30.
The reports have created anxiety among many parents and young people. Families say they are worried about what the registration could mean for the future of their children, while many youths fear it could affect their education and future plans.
Residents have also reported difficulties while traveling through the Shwezar checkpoint in Maungdaw. Community members claim that even people carrying the required travel documents sometimes face punishment over minor issues.
One recent incident reportedly involved four mosque teachers from Paungzar village who were ordered to perform sit-ups after checkpoint personnel claimed there were stains on their recommendation letters. Local residents said the incident caused embarrassment and has increased fear among people who regularly travel through the area.
Meanwhile, displaced families from Maung Ni village say several homes belonging to Rohingya residents have recently been dismantled. According to local sources, building materials were removed from houses whose owners had fled because of the conflict.
For many families living away from their villages, the reported destruction of homes has been heartbreaking. Residents say those houses represented years of hard work and hope for one day returning home.
Together, these developments paint a difficult picture for Rohingya communities across Arakan. As displacement continues and concerns about safety, movement, and livelihoods grow, many families say they remain uncertain about what the future holds.
For now, thousands of Rohingya continue to wait and hope for a time when they can live in peace, rebuild their lives, and return to a sense of normalcy.
