Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
With the passage of time, the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar are increasingly becoming hotspots for various types of crimes, including violence, drug dealing, and killings.
This escalating situation poses a significant threat to the country’s law and order.
Since August 25, 2017, when the Rohingyas were given shelter on humanitarian grounds, there have been at least 220 killings associated with the refugee community up to March 31, 2024.
During this period, a total of 3,336 cases were filed with Ukhiya and Teknaf Police Stations under 25 different categories.
According to sources from the Cox’s Bazar Police Station, narcotics-related cases constitute 60.58 percent of the total registered cases. Murder-related cases account for 6.59 percent, and illegal firearms cases make up 11.27 percent.
In the latest incidents, at least three Rohingya refugees were killed in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, while seven others sustained injuries. These attacks were allegedly carried out by members of the Myanmar-based militant group, Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Cox’s Bazar police sources have indicated that several groups within the Rohingya camps are vying for supremacy, which is leading to a rise in criminal activities.
“Various types of crimes are taking place inside the camps where millions of people are living. Several groups are infighting for their own interests over various issues,” Additional SP Admin and Finance Mohammad Rafiqul Islam stated in an interview with The New Nation on Monday.
He assured that law enforcement agencies are striving to combat the rising crime rates. Data from police and other law enforcement agencies reveal that at least 64 Rohingyas were killed in 2023, with 20 more killings reported in 2024 thus far.
An analysis of statistics from Ukhiya and Teknaf Police Stations reveals a disturbing rise in crime within the Rohingya camps. Between August 25, 2017, and March 31, 2024, a total of 220 homicide cases were filed—170 in Ukhiya and 50 in Teknaf.
Illegal arms incidents have also spiked, with 376 cases recorded—248 in Ukhiya and 128 in Teknaf. Drug trafficking has become rampant, contributing to the rapid increase in crime. The two police stations registered a staggering 2,021 drug-related cases—1,508 in Ukhiya and 513 in Teknaf.
The spectrum of crimes recorded includes 129 assaults, 104 kidnappings, 13 robberies, and 73 cases of robbery preparation.
Additionally, there were 23 thefts, 26 cases of Rohingya human trafficking, five instances of gold smuggling, 16 cases involving fake currency, 81 violations of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, 17 cases of illegal cigarette smuggling, 26 incidents of illegal entry into Bangladesh, four cases of illegal use of Myanmar SIM cards, five instances of obstruction of government work, three cases under the Digital Security Act, one terrorism case, and 163 other cases.
In total, Ukhiya Police Station registered 2,407 cases, while Teknaf Police Station recorded 929 cases.
The continuous increase in crime rates is closely linked to the delayed repatriation of Rohingyas. Despite the escalating crime, there has been no movement from Myanmar to take back their people over the past six years.
During a recent visit to Cox’s Bazar, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal addressed the issue and said, “There have been reports of arms smuggling within the Rohingya camps, and various factions have emerged, engaging in different types of crimes. Such activities will no longer be tolerated.”
About the security of the camps, he also said, “Regular patrols will be conducted within the camps by a combination of APBN (Armed Police Battalion), police, BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), and RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) units. Additionally, the military will be on standby at all times, intervening when necessary.
” Home minister also said that Bangladesh, along with international organisations, is diligently pursuing the repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. “Despite various agreements and understandings signed with Myanmar regarding the repatriation at different times, progress has not been made due to Myanmar’s actions. It is hoped that Myanmar will take back the Rohingyas swiftly,” he mentioned.