by Hafizur Rahman
Kutupalong, January 10, 2026
A serious security incident has shaken the Kutupalong Transit Centre following the withdrawal of security personnel and the announcement of the centre’s closure, residents said.
Late on the night of January 10, a 40-year-old Rohingya man, Robis Ahmed, was stabbed by unknown attackers inside the transit centre while he was going to the toilet. Robis Ahmed was known in the camps as a quack doctor, someone many refugees relied on for basic treatment when formal medical care was unavailable.
After the attack, he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors said his condition remains critical. The attackers have not been identified, and the motive behind the stabbing is still unknown.
The incident has triggered fear and panic among residents, particularly at night. “We cannot sleep anymore,” one resident told Rohingya Khobor. “There is no one to protect us if something happens.” Women, children, and elderly people are reported to be feeling the most insecure.
The transit centre was originally established to shelter families relocated from the main refugee camps due to serious security threats. However, residents say the situation has worsened sharply since funding cuts led to a reduction in security. Previously, more than 20 security guards were deployed at the centre. Now, only two or three guards remain.
“This is not enough for such a large population,” a resident said. “Violence can happen at any time.”
More than 195 Rohingya families are currently living at the transit centre due to ongoing security concerns. Of these, more than 75 families are reportedly not receiving food rations. They have been instructed to return to the main refugee camp distribution points to collect food, but many say they cannot do so because of safety risks.
“If we leave this place, our lives may be in danger,” said a father living at the centre. As a result, many families are facing hunger and surviving without regular food support.
Residents are urgently calling on authorities and humanitarian agencies to restore adequate security, provide protection services, and ensure immediate food assistance. They warn that without swift action, the situation could deteriorate further.
They have also appealed to the media and the international community to pay attention to their situation and the growing risks faced by Rohingya families still living at the Kutupalong Transit Centre.
