by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | June 27, 2026
A 16-year-old Rohingya madrasa student has been rescued by Bangladeshi authorities four days after he was abducted from Kutupalong Bazar in Ukhiya, according to reports.
The teenager, identified as Omar Khalek, was reportedly returning home from a madrasa on June 21 when he was abducted by unidentified individuals.
According to his family, the kidnappers contacted them the following day and demanded BDT 1 million in ransom. The family also received a video allegedly showing the teenager surrounded by armed men, who threatened to kill him if the ransom was not paid.
Following the abduction, Bangladeshi law enforcement authorities launched an operation and safely rescued the teenager after four days.
The Rohingya Rights Initiative (RRI), which had earlier called for urgent action, welcomed the rescue and said the case highlights continuing security challenges in the Rohingya refugee camps.
The organization said incidents including kidnappings, human trafficking, extortion, and other forms of violence continue to threaten refugee safety. It called for stronger security measures, greater protection for refugees, and accountability for those responsible for such crimes.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the rescue operation or whether any suspects have been arrested.
