November 21, 2025

RHRC-Rohingya communities across Myanmar and Bangladesh experienced a week marked by fear, financial strain, and tragedy. From fires inside the Cox’s Bazar camps to sudden arrests in Maungdaw, forced fee collections, Force Labor, and a deadly boat capsize in Malaysian waters, the situation highlights the growing vulnerability of Rohingya

Fire Broke up In Rohingya Camp

On November 19, 2025, two separate fire incidents were reported in the Rohingya refugee camp Cox’s Bazar, one in Camp 2W during the early hours of the morning and another in Camp 15 in the afternoon. In the morning fire incident took place around three thirty in the morning in Sub Block D 14 of Camp 2 where two family shelters belonging were destroyed after a fire believed to have been started by an unknown person. Both families were asleep when the flames erupted.

A second fire accident occurred in Jamtoli Camp 15. The affected family identified as Abdul Solaam managed to extinguish the flames before they spread to nearby shelters and major damage occurred. However, the family believes the fire may have been set deliberately. This has caused concern among other households in Camp 15.

AA Salary Collection from Rohingya

Yesterday on November 20, Rohingya families in Maungdaw said monthly salary collecting for teachers by the Arakan Army after school reopened across the township. Residents from several villages said each family is required to pay between ten thousand and twenty thousand kyat every month to support teachers, despite sharply reduced income caused by conflict, restricted movement, and a weak local economy. Some parents say they must now choose between paying school fees and buying basic food. Inside Maungdaw town, where teachers collect fees directly from parents. High school families pay twenty thousand kyat, middle school families pay ten thousand and primary school families pay six thousand each month. In rural areas, village leaders collect money from every household, even those without school-age children. Families warn the system could force more children out of school and fear fees may rise if the conflict escalates.

29 Rohingya Died 

Malaysia has ended a nine day search and rescue operation after confirming that 29 Rohingya died when a migrant boat capsized near the Malaysia and Thailand maritime border. The mission, which began on 9 November and after three days the incident covered more than 1,745 square miles before officially concluding on 17th Monday evening. Authorities reported that 43 people were found, 14 survivors and 29 bodies, including men, women and children. Over 300 personnel took part in the air and sea effort. Officials said the operation may resume if new information emerges about those still missing. According to the sources, the journey began from Myanmar with a large boat carrying about 300 Rohingya, who were later transferred to three smaller boats. One capsized, while the fate of the other two remains unknown. Intensifying conflict, persecution and worsening conditions continue to push Rohingya to undertake dangerous sea crossings in search of safety in Malaysia.

AA Forced Rohingya to Daily Labor

Rohingya villagers in northern Maungdaw report that a local Arakan Army (AA) commander has ordered each village to send 50 workers daily or leave the country, raising serious concerns of forced labor. At a November 14 meeting, village administrators were told to avoid supporting ARSA, provide daily labor to the AA, and obey AA rules to remain in Rakhine. Villagers pleaded for relief during the rice harvesting season, explaining that constant labor leaves them unable to gather food, but the commander refused. Residents say they are forced to work long hours in harsh conditions as the AA demands forest-clearing work. Human rights observers say these coercive orders amount to forced labor under international law.

AA Continues Sudden Arrest

On 15th November in northern Maungdaw, AA forces carried out another sudden arrest of a Rohingya resident heightening fear across several villages. The detainee, identified as Mohammed Siddik, was taken while returning to Chitta Dar Para after receiving permission to travel to Maungdaw town for groceries. Witnesses said he was stopped around 12:30 p.m. and taken without explanation, and his family has received no information about his whereabouts. Residents say such arrests now occur almost daily, leaving people afraid to travel even short distances. Communities in Maungdaw and Buthidaung report a growing sense of insecurity as unexplained detentions continue amid escalating conflict in the region.

Therefore, these incidents reflect a worsening humanitarian environment, where insecurity, exploitation, and dangerous migration continue to threaten Rohingya lives.