At least six Rohingya homes were destroyed in a fire that broke out around noon on March 18 in Maung Ni Ward of Maungdaw Township, according to local residents.
The properties affected include the homes of Osman, Rajan, Aman Ullah, Abdul Qudus, Ayas, and a combined shop and residence belonging to Hamid Ullah. Witnesses reported that the blaze rapidly engulfed the structures, leaving them completely gutted.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, with no confirmation as to whether it was accidental or deliberate. Local Rohingya residents initially attempted to control the flames before a fire response unit associated with the Arakan Army (AA) arrived and fully extinguished the fire.
The incident comes amid ongoing uncertainty for displaced Rohingya populations, particularly those who fled escalating clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar’s military authorities. Some refugees currently residing in Bangladesh have been engaged in discussions with the AA and relevant authorities regarding potential return to their places of origin.
However, concerns are mounting among displaced Rohingya that such incidents may be politically motivated. Several refugees have alleged that the destruction of abandoned homes could undermine prospects for safe and voluntary repatriation.
One Rohingya refugee currently living in Bangladesh described severe hardship following displacement:
“When fighting broke out, I fled to Bangladesh, leaving everything behind. I now have nothing. Life here is extremely difficult—there are no job opportunities for new arrivals, and we face discrimination. I survive day to day with almost no income. Even basic food is insufficient, and I cannot afford fish even once a week. I am not allowed to work with NGOs, and I feel marginalized as a new refugee.”
The refugee added that he had hoped to return home, recover remaining belongings, and rebuild his livelihood, but expressed deep frustration upon learning that homes in his community had been destroyed.
The incident highlights growing insecurity surrounding property protection and return conditions for Rohingya communities in northern Rakhine State.
