Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
The Bangladeshi authorities announced on Sunday a comprehensive ban on the movement of all types of vehicles inside Rohingya refugee camps, in a step aimed at enhancing security and maintaining public order in these densely populated areas.
Sources from within the camps told the “Arakan News Agency” that the decision includes unlicensed and unregistered vehicles or those operating without official permits, such as motorcycles, CNG vehicles, minibuses, trucks, and any other vehicles without official authorization.
The sources added that unlicensed motorcycles, in particular, are strictly prohibited from moving within the camp areas, except in cases where special approval is obtained from the responsible authorities.
The Bangladeshi authorities confirmed that strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating the instructions, including the confiscation of vehicles and the implementation of additional administrative measures when necessary.
The authorities stressed that this step comes within the framework of enforcing the rule of law and ensuring a safe and peaceful environment inside the refugee camps, warning of firm action against violators in accordance with local laws.
Bangladesh currently hosts over one million Rohingya refugees in the “Cox’s Bazar” camp area, which is classified by the United Nations as the largest refugee camp in the world. These refugees fled Myanmar following a genocidal military campaign launched against them by the Myanmar army in 2017. The waves of displacement have increased further after renewed fighting between the Myanmar army and the Arakan Army (AA) in November 2023, which subjected the Rohingya to further violence, displacement, and forced recruitment.
