May 17, 2026
RHRC – Reports from northern Rakhine State say Rohingya women and girls are facing increasing sexual violence in areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). According to the Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK and the Rohingya Human Rights Network, many women are living in fear due to abuse, threats, and arbitrary detention during ongoing conflict.
The reports describe alleged cases of rape, gang rape, and violence during raids and displacement. Human rights groups say many victims remain unable to contact their families while humanitarian conditions continue to worsen. Rohingya activists are calling for urgent international action, stronger civilian protection, and independent investigations into the reported abuses.
Armed Violence Spreads Fear Inside the Refugee Camps
Violence and insecurity inside the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh continue to create fear among residents. In Camp-8E, heavy gunfire erupted between members of RSO and ARA near the DRC office in Block B-33. The clash caused panic among civilians, and one innocent Rohingya person was reportedly injured during the exchange of fire.
Residents expressed serious concern over the growing activities of armed groups inside the camps. Community members appealed to the Government of Bangladesh and law enforcement agencies to take stronger action to restore peace and protect innocent civilians, especially women and children.
Security Forces Arrest Alleged RSO Members in Camp-9
On 13 May 2026, four alleged members of the RSO were arrested during a late-night operation carried out by RAB-15 and APBN Police-14 in Camp-9.
According to local sources, the suspects were allegedly preparing to attack members of other armed groups when security forces detained them. Residents also alleged that the arrested individuals were connected to previous killings inside the camps.
The arrests reflect the continuing tensions and security concerns inside the Rohingya camps.
Six Alleged FDMN Members Arrested in Bachan Char
APBN officers arrested six alleged FDMN members during a security operation in the Bachan Char Ashrayan Project on 15 May 2026 near Cluster-113.
Authorities said the individuals were allegedly attempting to flee the island when they were detained. The group included one family with children, while several others reportedly escaped during the operation. Officials stated that intelligence monitoring and security operations in Vasanchar remain ongoing.
Deadly Boat Tragedy in Rakhine State
At least 10 Rohingya people were reported dead after a boat capsized in Mrauk-U Township, Rakhine State, earlier this week, according to local residents and rescue sources.
The incident took place on May 12 along the Lay Myo River. A group of villagers from Aung Taing village in Minbya Township had traveled to Shwe Taung village in Mrauk-U Township for a football match.
Residents said the group was returning home using two boats when one of them capsized during the journey, leading to multiple deaths.
Rohingya Refugee Abducted and Released After Ransom in Cox’s Bazar Camps
A Rohingya refugee was reportedly abducted, tortured, and later released after a ransom payment in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar on May 15, 2026, according to family members and local sources.
The victim, Jafar Alam, 28, from Camp 14, Block A, was allegedly abducted on May 1 from Thankhali Bazaar by three unidentified men. He was later taken to Yahyya Garden (locally known as Rabar Bagan) near the TV Tower area and held for around three days.
His family said the kidnappers initially demanded more than 300,000 Bangladeshi taka but later released him after receiving around 130,000 taka. After his release, he suffered physical injuries and severe psychological distress.
