Arakan Army detains Rohingya man returning from Bangladesh
Rohingya man who returned after medical treatment in Bangladesh was reportedly detained by Arakan Army amid continuing restrictions in Arakan State
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Arakan Army forces have reportedly detained a Rohingya man after he returned to western Burma from Bangladesh, where he had undergone surgery, adding to concerns over restrictions facing Rohingya civilians moving across the border for essential needs.
Soyed Noor, 47, was detained at about 10:45 a.m. Sunday after returning to Buthidaung Township in northern Arakan State, according to Rohingya Khobor.
Noor, son of Monir Ahmed and a resident of Bogri Chaung village, had travelled to neighboring Bangladesh for treatment of a stomach-related illness and underwent surgery there.
Circumstances surrounding his reported detention remain unclear. No reason has been given, his current whereabouts are unknown, and Arakan Army (AA) had not publicly commented on case.
Reported detention highlights wider problems confronting Rohingya in northern Arakan State, where AA has emerged as dominant armed force after taking control of large areas from Burma’s military.
Rohingya communities have faced severe restrictions on movement and access to healthcare and other basic services, making travel for medical treatment particularly difficult.
United Nations human rights reporting has documented restrictions imposed on Rohingya as well as cases involving Rohingya returning from Bangladesh who were reportedly detained by AA.
Such restrictions can leave Rohingya who cross border for medical care or other necessities uncertain whether they will be able to return safely to their communities.
Limited healthcare inside northern Arakan State also pushes some Rohingya to seek treatment elsewhere, including across border in Bangladesh, despite risks associated with travel.
“Even when someone goes for medical treatment, families are afraid about what could happen when they return,” a Rohingya resident familiar with conditions in area said.
Noor’s family was not known to have been granted contact with him, and information about where he was being held remained unavailable.
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