Episode: KPN 17-06-2026

AA reportedly bans use of loudspeakers for prayer call (Adhan) in Buthidaung Mosques

The Arakan Army/United League of Arakan (AA/ULA) has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of loudspeakers for the Islamic call to prayer (adhan) at mosques in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, according to local Rohingya residents.

Residents said that mosques in the township had resumed religious activities after displaced communities returned to their villages and received permission from the AA/ULA to reopen places of worship. Since then, mosques had been using loudspeakers to broadcast the adhan.

However, local sources claim that authorities introduced an indefinite ban on the use of loudspeakers for adhan in early June 2026.

According to residents, AA officials instructed mosque authorities to stop using loudspeakers, reportedly stating that the sound of the adhan “resembles the sound of an airplane.”

“As a result of warnings and restrictions imposed by the AA/ULA, mosques in the area are no longer able to use loudspeakers for the call to prayer,” a resident of Buthidaung told local media.

The reported restriction has raised concerns among members of the local Muslim community, who view the measure as a limitation on religious practices.

Residents also noted that loudspeakers continue to be used at Buddhist monasteries for sermons and religious activities, while loud music played through large sound systems remains common at public gatherings. According to local Rohingya community members, no similar restrictions have reportedly been imposed on those activities.

A Rakhine observer criticized the reported measure, saying that restricting the call to prayer, which typically lasts only a few minutes, could be perceived as discriminatory and inconsistent with the principle of religious freedom.

“Preventing mosques from broadcasting the adhan, even for a short period of time, is unfair and raises concerns about restrictions on religious freedom,” the observer said.

The AA/ULA had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.

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