The Arakan Army (AA) and local Muslim community leaders have agreed to appoint approximately 500 Muslim teachers to teach the Arakanese language in Islamic religious schools (madrasas) across Maungdaw District in Rakhine State.

The agreement, reached during a meeting on July 26 in Buthidaung Township, aims to bridge language barriers and foster social cohesion in the AA-controlled district, which is home to a significant Muslim population.

During the gathering of over 300 attendees—including United League of Arakan (ULA) administrators, education officers, and senior Islamic clerics (mowlavis)—the AA distributed language textbooks and writing supplies to students from 25 local madrasas.

The newly appointed teachers are also expected to serve in government schools in the upcoming academic year.

“We Muslims have historically faced difficulties with everything from seeking medical treatment to traveling because many of us cannot speak the Arakanese language,” a local Muslim resident said. “Both sides have now agreed that religious studies and modern education should be taught together to achieve social harmony.”

ULA/AA officials assured community leaders that the integration of secular education would not threaten the existence of traditional madrasas.

They also emphasized a commitment to providing equal opportunities for Muslims in government service and education—a sharp departure from successive Myanmar military regimes that systematically marginalized the community and fueled intercommunal tensions.

Addressing the ongoing conflict, the AA’s district chief urged the Muslim community to take an active role in regional "nation-building" efforts. It warned against being exploited by the Myanmar military.