Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar are increasingly facing dire security threats, including abduction and forced recruitment. Recent reports suggest that armed groups operating in Myanmar are forcibly conscripting many Rohingyas abducted from refugee camps. This alarming trend has intensified the sense of insecurity among the refugee population, which already grapples with various other challenges.
Criminal activities within the camps have surged, with abduction, extortion, and narcotics smuggling becoming prevalent. The Daily Star reports that since the mass exodus of Rohingyas in 2017, at least 328 criminal cases have been filed against Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, highlighting the growing lawlessness in the camps. Armed groups often carry out abductions, leading to numerous cases where they hold victims for ransom or coerce them into joining militant factions.
Individuals identified as Rohingyas abducted four school students from Cox’s Bazar in a recent incident, demanding a ransom from their families. The abduction underscores the rampant insecurity and the involvement of organized criminal groups in the camps. Furthermore, the kidnapping of a Red Crescent volunteer, who subsequently found safety, highlights the dangerous circumstances in the camps.
The increasing instability has prompted local authorities to intensify security measures, though challenges remain in effectively curbing these criminal activities. The plight of the Rohingyas, compounded by the threat of forced recruitment, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to ensure their safety and well-being.
