October 01, 2026
RHRC – Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and across the region continue to face violence, displacement, and uncertainty. Recent developments include Malaysia’s repatriation of nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals, the unexplained death of a Rohingya teacher, the reported killing of a five-year-old child in the refugee camps, civilian casualties from airstrikes in Arakan State, and a deadly boat sinking near Teknaf.
Malaysia Begins Repatriating Myanmar Nationals Amid Safety Concerns
On September 29, 2026, Malaysia began repatriating 1,476 Myanmar nationals detained in immigration centres across the country. The group included 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls. They were transported from 14 immigration detention centres and sent to Myanmar aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship.
Malaysian authorities described the operation as voluntary and said that no one would be returned if they faced persecution or serious threats to their lives. However, the authorities have not confirmed how many of the returnees are Rohingya. The operation is part of a broader programme to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar nationals.
UNHCR stated that it was not involved in the operation and stressed that returns must be voluntary, informed, and conducted safely and with dignity. More than 160 human rights and civil society organisations have called for the suspension of the process until conditions in Myanmar improve, citing ongoing conflict and concerns about the safety of returnees.
Death of Rohingya Teacher Remains Under Investigation
The death of 20-year-old Rohingya teacher Kabola Begum in Camp 17 on September 25, 2026, remains under investigation, with conflicting reports about the circumstances of her death.
Her family said that she was teaching the Qur’an to girls. Relatives alleged that unidentified individuals attacked her while searching for one of her brothers. However, field sources have not independently verified these allegations.
A separate report citing the Armed Police Battalion stated that her body was found hanging and was sent for an autopsy. The post-mortem findings have not been confirmed, and the exact cause of her death remains unknown.
Five-Year-Old Child Reportedly Killed in Camp 2 East
A five-year-old Rohingya child, Mohammed Omair, was reportedly killed in Camp 2 East on the night of September 28, at around 9:30 p.m., in the C-6 area, according to camp sources.
Local sources identified the alleged suspect as the child’s stepfather, Feros Mia, who reportedly left the area after the incident. The child was said to have suffered a serious neck injury during the alleged attack. The exact circumstances, cause of death, and motive have not been independently verified.
Rohingya Civilians Among Casualties in Kyauktaw Airstrikes
On September 28, 2026, Rohingya civilians, including children, were among those killed, injured, or reported missing after Myanmar military airstrikes hit a busy market and a bridge in Kyauktaw Township, Arakan State.
The strikes reportedly hit a crowded civilian area during business hours, affecting people from several communities, including Rohingya, Rakhine, Hindu, and Daingnet. Casualty figures varied between reports, and the total number of deaths and injuries remains under verification.
A preliminary Rohingya casualty list identified 13-year-old Adu Rahim, who died in hospital after being injured in the attack. At least two other Rohingya civilians were reported injured, while 12 Rohingya individuals, including several children, were reported missing as of the evening of the attack. Verification efforts are ongoing.
Boat Sinking Near Teknaf Claims Two Lives
A woman and a child died after a boat travelling from Myanmar sank near the coast of Teknaf during the early hours of September 22.
Bangladesh Coast Guard personnel rescued 16 passengers and handed them over to Teknaf Model Police Station. Authorities recovered two bodies and sent them to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsies.
According to survivor accounts, the boat was carrying approximately 19 people. The identities of all passengers have not yet been fully established, and officials are continuing to verify the details.
