Arsheed:The Boy Who Escaped Death

Arakan Now, 8 May 2025

“LISTEN TO ROHINGYA” - 2

Mohammed Arsheed, a young Rohingya boy from Ward 1, Buthidaung Township, has faced pain and fear that no one should ever experience.

On May 17, 2024, after the Arakan Army burned down Buthidaung Township, he, along with his family and others, fled to Sein Yin Pyin, Buthidaung Township for safety. They walked for days to reach shelter. Without a proper home, they lived in a small tent on the roadside, lacking food and basic needs. Life was extremely difficult.

Then, something even worse happened.

On May 29, 2024, around 12:17 PM, a group of AA soldiers came to the tents. Without a word, they abducted Arsheed and several other Rohingya. They were taken by car to Buthidaung Prison. Arsheed was locked in Building No. 1, Room 4, for two months. Over 700 Rohingya, all innocent, were also captured by the AA, sharing the same harsh fate.

Later, Arsheed and seven others were moved to a different building. The AA said their case was “very serious.” What followed was a nightmare.

Every day, they faced brutal torture. The AA used electric shocks, beat their faces severely, and often left them without food for days. Arsheed said the pain was beyond words. He remained there for over seven months.

On November 26, 2024, he was transferred to Yin Chaung Prison, where he stayed for another month. Finally, on December 30, Arsheed was released — weak, hurt, and full of fear, but still alive.

Now, he wants the world to know his story.

“I escaped death… but many others didn’t,” he told Arakan Now.