by Hafizur Rahman
Maungdaw Township, Arakan State | January 05, 2026
Fear and anger are growing in Shwe Zar Village of Maungdaw Township, where Rohingya residents say a man known as Rowsheid is illegally controlling the sale of their personal belongings and forcing families to hand over half of the money.
Villagers told Rohingya Khobor that the practice has been ongoing for some time, but most people remained silent out of fear. Residents say even selling basic household items such as beds, chairs, or cupboards has become risky in an environment where families are already struggling to survive.
According to multiple local accounts, Rowsheid threatens villagers and blocks them from selling household property unless they agree to give him 50 percent of the sale price. Families facing food shortages or debt say they feel trapped and powerless.
On January 3, a Rohingya man from Shwe Zar Village, facing serious financial hardship, decided to sell some furniture from his home, including a wardrobe, a bed, and several chairs. Following local procedure, he informed the Shwe Zar village administration committee. After reviewing the situation, the committee granted permission for the sale.
However, when the buyer arrived and the furniture was being loaded onto a vehicle, the situation escalated.
Witnesses said Rowsheid came to the house and ordered the sale to stop. Even after villagers explained that the village administrator had approved the transaction, he allegedly began shouting and physically assaulted the homeowner. The vehicle driver was also reportedly slapped.
“He said the village committee has no authority,” one eyewitness told Rohingya Khobor. “He claimed he has power and backing from the Arakan Army. Everyone stayed silent because they were afraid.”
Residents said Rowsheid openly tells villagers that no one is allowed to sell property without his approval and that anyone who does must give him half of the money. Because of threats and violence, the homeowner was forced to bring the furniture back inside, and the sale was cancelled.
For many residents, the incident reflects a wider pattern of intimidation.
“Today it was his furniture,” a villager said. “Tomorrow it could be any of us.”
Community members are now calling for intervention and investigation, urging authorities to take action against alleged extortion and abuse. They say accountability is urgently needed to protect civilians, stop intimidation, and allow Rohingya families to survive with dignity amid an already severe humanitarian crisis in Maungdaw.
