Episode: KPN 01-01-2026

Rohingya from Maungdaw fear forced conscription, prepare to flee to Bangladesh

The situation of Rohingya in Maungdaw is worsening as reports emerge of forced conscription by the Arakan Army (AA). Fearing recruitment, many families are preparing to flee neighbouring Bangladesh, local sources say.

A resident told Arakan Now that on 30 December, the AA held a meeting with villagers, announcing that conscription is being carried out through three main channels.

The first involves formation of Village Defense Force (VDF), with villages required to provide 10 to 15 married Rohingya women each for 15 days of training before they are assigned to local security duties.

The second channel includes fire service training, though details remain limited.

The third channel and most serious form involves military training targeting unmarried men and women. According to community members, lists have already been collected in nearly every village. Those selected are expected to be sent to Buthidaung or other townships for training and later deployed to AA battalions or frontline areas against the military Junta.

Fearing forced recruitment and deployment, families are increasingly seeking ways to leave the area despite the risks involved.

Tagged as: Kutupalong, Cox's Bazar, Rohingya boat people, Maungdaw, Military Council force, Rakhine, IIMM, Rathedaung, ARSA, Rohingya, war crimes, Rohingya Refugee, Camp schools, Akyab, Rohingya refugee camp, community schools, APBn, RRRC, foods shortage, Balukhali, Sittwe, hungers, Bangadesh refugee camp, Teknaf, ration cut, BGP, Burma-Bangladesh border, Arakan, RSO, Buthidaung, BGB, Burma, Malaysia going boat, IDP camp in Arakan, Arakan Army, Myanmar, Military navy.