By: Camp Correspondent
Thousands of Rohingya men, women, and children are waiting for an opportunity to cross the Myanmar border into Bangladesh. The takeover of Maungdaw township by the Arakan Army has significantly impacted the Rohingya population, who remain vulnerable due to their statelessness and marginalized status within Myanmar. The armed group’s actions have resulted in widespread displacement and deepening humanitarian challenges. as they are often targeted due to their statelessness and marginalized status within Myanmar. The armed group’s seizure of Rohingya homes has left families displaced and desperate to find safety across the border. This follows the recent takeover of Maungdaw township in Rakhine State by the Myanmar-based armed group, Arakan Army. Residents of five nearby villages are living in fear of eviction, as the armed group has seized their homes and gathered them in a single location.
Many of these displaced individuals hope to cross the Naf River into Bangladesh. However, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard have intensified border patrols, making entry into Bangladesh increasingly difficult.
Forced Eviction and Desperation
Rohingya leaders in Bangladesh report that more than 37,000 Rohingyas from villages such as Sudhapara, Ukilpara, Sikderpara, Fayezipara, and Nurullahpara have been driven out of their homes, based on community reports and information gathered from affected residents in the border areas. Their homes are now occupied by the Arakan Army, which has forcibly relocated the evicted residents to the Perangpru area. Reports indicate that some Rohingya are being allowed to leave for Bangladesh, Malaysia, or Indonesia, but only after paying large sums of money. Those who cannot pay remain trapped and at risk.
Limited boat movement resumed on the Naf River on Friday afternoon after several days of suspension. However, fear of kidnapping and attacks has deterred many from operating water vehicles. Previously, 74 trawlers and speedboats served this route, but now only a handful remain operational.
Impact on Trade and Local Economy
The ongoing crisis has disrupted trade activities between Myanmar and Bangladesh, directly impacting the local Rohingya communities who depend on informal cross-border trade for survival. The closure of trade routes has further limited their access to essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel, while also eliminating critical income streams for many Rohingya families who rely on small-scale trading to sustain their livelihoods. further straining the local Rohingya communities who rely on cross-border trade for access to essential goods and income opportunities. With trade routes blocked, many families face increasing difficulties in obtaining necessities such as food, clothing, and medicines, worsening their already precarious situation. Import and export operations through the Teknaf land port have been suspended since December 7, leaving Bangladeshi traders in turmoil. At least 45 traders, who had already purchased goods such as frozen fish, onions, garlic, turmeric, and logs from Myanmar’s Sittwe (formerly Akyab), are unable to transport their goods to Bangladesh. These commodities remain stranded on the Myanmar side of the border, leading to significant financial losses.
Rising Tensions at the Border
According to border sources, the Arakan Army has seized control of a 270-kilometer region, including Maungdaw township, following their capture of the Border Guard Police’s 5th Frontier Battalion on December 8.
Mohammad Jubayer, President of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights (ARSPH), highlighted the plight of the Rohingya community. He stated, “The Rohingya people have long been victims of oppression by both the Arakan Army and the junta forces.”
Tourism and Local Disruptions
The unrest has also impacted tourism in Bangladesh’s Teknaf region, causing a sharp decline in visitors. Local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, which rely heavily on tourism revenue, are suffering significant financial losses. For many residents whose livelihoods depend on the seasonal influx of tourists, the ongoing unrest has created a dire economic situation, exacerbating poverty and unemployment in the area. Tourists are avoiding Teknaf due to safety concerns, further damaging the local economy. The BIWTA jetty in Nuniachhara, Cox’s Bazar, is now being used as an alternative route for trips to Saint Martin’s Island, but the situation remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The escalating conflict in Rakhine State continues to create widespread challenges for displaced Rohingyas and traders in the border regions. With no resolution in sight, thousands of Rohingyas remain stranded and desperate, while economic activities between the two nations remain stalled.
