July 17, 2025
RHRC-The Rohingya community, scattered between refugee camps in Bangladesh and conflict-torn areas of Myanmar, continues to face a complex and painful struggle. While some are taking steps toward self-delegacy through peaceful elections in Cox’s Bazar, others who have returned to Rakhine State are experiencing a new wave of violence, forced labor, and fear under the Arakan Army’s control. These stories reflect both courage and enduring, hope for change, and the harsh reality many still suffering.
Rohingyas Hold Historic Civil Elections in Cox’s Bazar
For the first time since fleeing genocide in 2017, Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are organizing internal elections to form a civil society committee aimed at voicing their concerns to the global stage. On July 16, 2025, thirty three Rohingya camps in the district were divided into eight zones, and the first round of voting was held at camps 14 to 16 yesterday, according to voting schedule. The initiative, approved by Bangladeshi authorities, aims to select 500 councilors from across the camps, eventually forming a 30-to-40-member core committee with a 3-year panel leadership. The committee hopes to represent the community in United Nations forums and international rights converse, an empowering move in a population too often talked for rather than listened to.
Families Detained and Forced into Labor in Maungdaw
14, July 2025, while democratic steps unfold in Bangladesh, at least 17 Rohingya families including young children and elderly members who returned to Maungdaw from Bangladesh have been detained by the Arakan Army and forced into hard labor. Among 72 individuals, two children under five have already died from untreated illness and dehydration. Prisoners are refused legal counsel, support, and communication with families. “My daughter died crying for water,” said a grieving father. The detainees are forced to clean public areas by armed watch, with no medical or nutritional care punished quietly for trying to return home.
Rohingya Youth Abducted in Kutupalong Camp
Back in the camps, insecurity remains a persistent threat. On the evening of July 14, 2025, Noor Alom, a 25 year old teacher, was abducted in broad daylight from Kutupalong Market and his family paid a one lakh Taka ransom before he was released. His story is not isolated. “They beat me and blindfolded me,” he recalled. Armed groups continue to operate with impunity inside the world’s largest refugee settlement, targeting youth, extorting families, and exploiting the absence of law enforcement. Community representatives are calling for urgent intervention to restore safety.
Arakan Army Detains Families, Child Missing
In recent weeks, the AA has escalated its repression. On July 13, 2025, masked men abducted a young Rohingya child, Mohammed Harith, from a local shop in Maungdaw. Around the same time, at least ten more Rohingya families were detained in Bantaubiin village. On July 10, three day laborers from Zayntola village were beaten and falsely accused of arm group ties before being released. Locals report increased surveillance and forced data collection on returnees. Movement is heavily restricted, and bribes are often required to pass checkpoints. “They took my brother’s whole family,” one resident said. The promise of safe return has turned into a trap, another layer in the endless cycle of fear and injustice.
Therefore, as Rohingyas in exile take bold steps toward self-determination, those who return home face imprisonment, torture, and death. The contrast is striking and heart wrenching. Without global attention and accountability, the Rohingya people remain caught between fragile dreams of dignity and the harsh reality of dehumanization at home and in exile alike.
