Arakan News Agency
Bangladeshi security forces carried out coordinated raids on Thursday across several Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals on charges related to drug possession, illegal gambling, and outstanding criminal warrants.
One of the most notable arrests was that of Joynal Uddin (27), a resident of Balukhali Camp, who was detained after being found in possession of narcotic tablets. Authorities acted on a prior tip-off.
In Leda Camp, security forces raided a tea and cigarette shop following reports of illegal gambling. Five individuals, all residents of Camp 24, were arrested, and gambling tools, a mobile phone, and a sum of cash were seized.
At Nayapara Camp, two individuals wanted by police were apprehended—one facing charges in two cases involving weapons and narcotics, and the other accused in a drug-related case filed with Hathazari Police Station in Chattogram.
All detainees and confiscated items were transferred to the Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal procedures. Security authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order within the camps and urged residents to report any suspicious activity.
Earlier, officials confirmed that Rohingya camps in Bangladesh are under strict surveillance, with law enforcement agencies conducting round-the-clock patrols. They strongly denied allegations of militant activity inside the camps in response to a report by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.
Bangladesh hosts over one million Rohingya refugees in the Cox’s Bazar camps, which the United Nations classifies as the largest refugee settlement in the world. The refugees have lived under dire humanitarian conditions since fleeing Myanmar in 2017 following a genocide campaign by the Myanmar military. New waves of displacement resumed in late 2023 amid renewed fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (a separatist group), which now controls large portions of Arakan State.
