By: Camp Correspondent
COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – June 22, 2025 – A horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the Rohingya refugee community in Bangladesh, as a 7-year-old boy, abducted for ransom, was found brutally murdered. The tragic death of Abdullah in Leda Camp-24, Teknaf, underscores escalating security concerns and highlights the desperate vulnerability of refugees living in the sprawling camps.
Abdullah, son of Hamid Hossain and Nur Fatema, was reportedly kidnapped on Friday, June 20, around 5:00 PM while playing near his family’s shelter. Hours later, a ransom demand of 20 lakh Bangladeshi Taka (approximately $17,000 USD) was made to his impoverished family, with threats to kill the child if the money was not paid. Despite their desperate pleas, the family, already struggling in dire conditions, was unable to meet the exorbitant demand.
Tragically, Abdullah’s lifeless body was discovered by the roadside on the night of June 22, bearing visible signs of severe torture. “My underage Rohingya refugee boy was kidnapped on June 20. The kidnappers demanded 20 lakhs, a huge ransom, but his poor family couldn’t afford it, and even I couldn’t give 20 thousands,” the victim’s father told Rohingya Khobor, recounting the heartbreaking ordeal. “Two days later, his body was found with signs of torture.”
This incident is not isolated. Reports from the Rohingya refugee camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya indicate a disturbing rise in kidnappings, with young children increasingly becoming targets. Perpetrators exploit the extreme poverty of refugee families, demanding sums that are impossible for them to pay.
The Rohingya community is now making urgent appeals to Bangladeshi authorities, demanding heightened security and protection within the camps. Residents express profound fear for their children and families, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. “Enough is enough,” stated a local resident, voicing the collective anguish. “We live in fear every day. Even our children are not safe anymore. We need protection and justice.”
As the Rohingya community mourns the brutal loss of young Abdullah, critical questions persist regarding the safety, security, and protection of one of the world’s most persecuted populations. The international community is increasingly scrutinizing the conditions within these camps, urging greater accountability and more robust protective measures for refugees.
