By Hafizur Rahman
June 19, 2026
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — Just two days after the kidnapping and killing of a child named Ilham, another child abduction has been reported from Camp 17 in the Rohingya refugee camps.
The victim, Shahida, daughter of Anamul Islam from Block C, reportedly went missing at around 10:00 a.m. today. According to family members, they later received a video showing the child with her hands tied and her eyes covered. In the video, Shahida was forced to say that she could be killed if the ransom money was not paid on time.
The incident has increased fear among Rohingya families, many of whom are worried about the safety of their children.
A Rohingya father from Camp 17 said, “We used to worry when our children were sick. Now we worry every time they step outside the shelter. We don’t know if they will return home safely.”
Another resident expressed concern about the growing insecurity in the camps. “The camps are becoming a place of fear for children. Parents cannot watch their children every minute, and kidnappers are taking advantage of that.”
A Rohingya mother, holding back tears, said, “After hearing about Ilham and now Shahida, I cannot sleep peacefully. Whenever my children go outside, my heart follows them.”
Child kidnappings have become a serious concern in the Rohingya camps in recent years. Many cases have been reported where families were asked to pay ransom for the release of their children. While some victims were released after payments were made, others lost their lives when families could not meet the demands.
Community members say that organized criminal groups may be using kidnapping as a source of income. Others believe that drug abuse, gambling, unemployment, and limited opportunities for young people are contributing to the problem.
Residents and community leaders are calling for stronger security measures, action against criminal networks, better child protection awareness, and increased community involvement to prevent further incidents.
The recent cases of Ilham and Shahida highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to protect children and improve safety throughout the Rohingya refugee camps.
Organizations working on child protection, including Save the Children and UNHCR, are being urged by community members to strengthen efforts to address the growing risks facing children in the camps.
