by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar | July 28, 2026
A 14-year-old Rohingya boy from Camp 14 in Cox’s Bazar was released after being held for five days by alleged kidnappers who demanded Tk 500,000 from his family, according to relatives.
The boy, identified as Md Hares, son of Sayed Alam and Juhura Begum, reportedly went missing at around noon on July 21 while travelling from Camp 14 to the neighbouring Jamtoli Camp 15.
His family said the alleged kidnappers contacted them the following day and demanded Tk 500,000 for his release. They reportedly warned that Hares would not be allowed to return home unless the money was paid.
The family, already facing financial hardship, struggled to meet the demand. Following negotiations, they reportedly paid Tk 200,000 to secure his release.
Hares was released at around 8:00 p.m. on July 26 and returned safely to his family after five days in captivity.
According to his family, he had sustained injuries while being held and was subsequently admitted to a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital for treatment. Details about the nature and severity of his injuries were not immediately available.
The identities of those allegedly responsible for the kidnapping remain unknown. It is also unclear where Hares was held and whether camp authorities or law enforcement agencies have opened an investigation.
The incident follows several reported kidnappings involving Rohingya residents, including children, in the Cox’s Bazar camps during July. In several cases, alleged kidnappers have demanded large payments from families already struggling to meet their basic needs.
Community members have called on camp authorities, law enforcement agencies and humanitarian organisations to strengthen child-protection measures and investigate kidnapping and ransom networks operating in and around the camps.
This report is based on information provided by the boy’s family and community sources. Rohingya Khobor could not independently verify the alleged kidnapping, ransom payment or circumstances of his release.
