by Hafizur Rahman
Chattogram, September 16, 2025: In a special army operation on Monday afternoon, 31 Rohingya, including women and children, were detained in the Dudhkumra area of Anwara upazila, inside the Karnaphuli Tunnel service zone. The detainees had reportedly fled from Bhasan Char camp only two days earlier with the help of a local broker.
Details of the Operation
According to reports, the raid was carried out at around 1:30 pm by a patrol team from the Anwara Army Camp (38 AD Regiment), led by Warrant Officer Gunner Al Amin. The operation resulted in the detention of 14 adult men and 17 women and minors.
Army sources claim that the Rohingya families had each paid money to a broker, amounting to a total of 61,500 Bangladeshi taka from seven families. In exchange, they were transported by boat from Bhasan Char to Anwara.
Journey Interrupted
The Rohingya detainees were reportedly planning to move further into Chattogram city and eventually Dhaka, where they intended to live discreetly by blending in with the local population and avoiding detection.
Following the raid, the detainees were handed over to the Navy camp at the Karnaphuli Tunnel Maintenance Unit. The Navy has informed that the matter has been communicated with headquarters, and further actions will be taken as per higher instructions.
Pattern of Escape Attempts
Because of Anwara’s sea access, Rohingya have long attempted to cross into the area despite strict monitoring. While law enforcement agencies conduct frequent crackdowns, local brokers continue to be accused of facilitating such movements for profit.
This latest incident highlights the desperation of Rohingya families who risk exploitation and detention in search of more freedom of movement and livelihood opportunities outside Bhasan Char.
