Rohingya in Arakan Face Growing Hardships Amid Displacement, Travel Restrictions, and Uncertainty

Dozens of Rohingya, including children and the elderly, have been left stranded along the Naf River after being returned from Bangladesh, as displaced families in Arakan State face mounting hardships including forced recruitment registration, checkpoint abuse, and the destruction of their homes.

Photo Source: Local Source / The Daily East

MAUNGDAW, Arakan State: Rohingya families across Arakan State are facing growing hardships as displacement, movement restrictions, fears of forced military recruitment, and the loss of homes continue to shape daily life in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, according to local residents and community sources.

The difficulties have been underscored by a series of incidents in recent days that rights observers say reflect the worsening situation for one of the world's most persecuted minorities.

Stranded Along the Naf River

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. Local residents said the group had originally fled Buthidaung due to 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 had nowhere to go and were forced to wait in increasingly difficult conditions.

Two days later, a second group of 16 Rohingya from Buthidaung Township faced a similar situation. The group, which included women, elderly people, and small children, attempted to cross the border but was returned. Local sources said the group spent hours in heavy rain before being detained by the Arakan Army near Mingala Gyi village in Maungdaw Township.

Displacement Worsens as Rainy Season Arrives

The back-to-back incidents have deepened concerns among Rohingya families already living in temporary shelters after leaving their homes in Buthidaung. With the rainy season now underway, flooding and deteriorating weather conditions have made daily life harder still for thousands of people with no stable place to stay.

Forced Recruitment Registration Resumes

Residents in several villages of Maungdaw Township have reported that 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 widespread anxiety among families. Parents say they are worried about what the registration could mean for their children, while many young people fear it could disrupt their education and future.

Checkpoint Abuse and Fear of Movement

Community members have also reported difficulties at the Shwezar checkpoint in Maungdaw, where residents say even those carrying the required travel documents sometimes face punishment over minor issues.

In one incident that drew particular concern, four mosque teachers from Paungzar village were reportedly ordered to perform sit-ups by checkpoint personnel after officials claimed there were stains on their recommendation letters. Residents said the incident caused deep embarrassment and has increased fear among people who must pass through the checkpoint regularly.

Homes Dismantled in Their Absence

Displaced families from Maung Ni village have reported that several homes belonging to Rohingya residents have recently been dismantled. Local sources said building materials were removed from houses whose owners had already fled because of the conflict.

For many families living far from their villages, the news has been devastating. Residents said those homes represented years of effort and the hope of one day returning.

A Community Waiting for Safety

Together, the developments paint a troubling picture of daily life for Rohingya communities across Arakan. As displacement continues and concerns about safety, movement, recruitment, and livelihoods grow, many families say they remain deeply uncertain about their future.

For now, thousands of Rohingya continue to wait, hoping for the day they can live in peace, rebuild what they have lost, and return home.