February 28, 2026

55 Rescued from Trafficking Attempt Near Teknaf

RHRC – On February 20, 2026, the Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 55 individuals, including women and children, during an anti-trafficking operation in Teknaf.

The boat was intercepted in the Baharchhara area while attempting to travel illegally to Malaysia by sea.

Officials stated that both Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals were lured by traffickers with false promises of jobs and better living conditions abroad. Five suspected traffickers were arrested. Authorities said efforts to prevent human trafficking and secure maritime borders will continue.

Boat Capsizes Near Maungdaw While Fleeing Forced Recruitment

On the night of February 18, 2026, a boat carrying 54 Rohingya capsized in the Nat River near Maungdaw. 

The passengers were reportedly attempting to flee toward Bangladesh to avoid forced recruitment by the Arakan Army.

Some bodies were recovered in the following days, but many passengers remain missing. Survivors were reportedly from Buthidaung Township. Documents recovered at the scene, including a Burmese marriage certificate, confirmed the origins of those on board.

Sexual Violence Reported in Northern Maungdaw

On February 4, 2026, a Rohingya woman was reportedly gang-raped by two members of the Arakan Army in Nga Sar Kyu Village, northern Maungdaw Township.

According to local residents, the attackers entered the home of a Rohingya couple, tied them up, and sexually assaulted the woman. She was injured while trying to escape. Her husband was reportedly taken toward a nearby hill and nearly killed but managed to flee.

On February 5, 2026, both the accused and the victims were taken to an AA camp for questioning. Villagers said the two fighters received ten lashes each, and the case was declared closed. Community members expressed serious concern over the lack of justice and said the family was warned not to speak about the incident.

Restrictions and Fear Increase in Buthidaung

On February 17, 2026, residents in Buthidaung Township reported that members of the Arakan Army visited villages including Kyee Hnoke Thee, Pauk Taw Pyin, Done Paing, and Mingyi, and collected lists of girls from local families.

Residents said no clear explanation was given, leading to widespread fear and uncertainty. Families reported additional restrictions imposed in February 2026, including:

• A ban on using loudspeakers for the Azan and other Ramadan prayers
• Restrictions on entering forest areas for firewood collection
• Increased pressure on Rohingya men and youth to join the Arakan Army

Although the Arakan Army has publicly stated that Muslims are free to practice their religion, residents say these measures have increased hardship and tension.

Underage Rohingya Girl Taken for Forced Recruitment

On February 21, 2026, a 16-year-old Rohingya girl was reportedly taken from her home in Phonnyo Leik (Hpon Nyo Lake) village, Buthidaung Township, by members of the Arakan Army for forced recruitment, according to Arakan Now. 

The girl, identified as Nur Keyas, is the daughter of U Shawmsul Norbi and granddaughter of U Abul Hashim. Since she was taken, her family has received no information about her whereabouts or condition. Local residents said the family remains in deep distress.

Girls Abducted for Conscription in Buthidaung

On February 25, 2026, local sources reported that the Arakan Army abducted three Rohingya girls from WaYa Chaung village tract, Doe Don village, in Buthidaung Township for forced conscription.

Residents said the girls had attempted to flee Buthidaung due to fear of recruitment. While traveling toward Bangladesh through Maungdaw, they were intercepted by AA members and taken back to Buthidaung Township, where they are reportedly being held at an AA base. Their identities remain unknown.

Families in the area said many residents are now hiding their daughters and sons, while others have fled their homes out of fear.

Underage Girls Abducted from Kin Taung Village

In another incident reported in late February 2026, the Arakan Army allegedly abducted three underage Rohingya girls from Kin Taung (Handaung) village, Buthidaung Township, for forced conscription.

Arakan Now reported that the victims were identified as:

• Daughter of Bodi Alom
• Daughter of Dobir
• Daughter of Maung Sein

Local residents said the security situation has become critical, with both men and women, including children, being taken. Families described living in constant fear, with some mothers reportedly begging AA members not to take their daughters.

30 Rohingya Patients Die After Hospital Transfers in Bangladesh

Between January 2024 and February 26, 2026, reports indicate that 30 Rohingya patients died after being transferred from refugee camps to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced medical treatment.

Community representatives reported delays in admission, slow emergency response, and insufficient monitoring of critically ill patients. Many patients were already suffering from malnutrition, chronic illness, or trauma-related conditions.

Following a reported death on February 26, 2026, authorities said the situation is under review, though no formal findings have yet been released. Community leaders are calling for faster emergency procedures and improved medical response systems.