By: Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, June 1, 2025 — A young Rohingya man was stabbed to death near Camp-11 in Balukhali Refugee Camp on Saturday evening, in a brutal act of robbery and violence that has once again raised concerns about the safety of refugees in and around the camps.
The victim, Hafez Maulvi Muhammad Taher (25), was originally from Kyin Chaung village, Maungdaw Township, and had been living in Block D6 of Camp-11 since fleeing to Bangladesh.
According to local sources, Taher was traveling with his mother to visit a sick relative in the Thankhali camp. Around 7:40 p.m., the CNG (auto-rickshaw) they had hired stopped at the Apen junction (locally known as Moragasta Tolar). There, the driver reportedly pulled out a knife, demanded money, and then fatally stabbed Taher after taking 2,000 Taka and a mobile phone.
Taher died on the spot. His mother survived the incident but is said to be in a state of deep trauma.
A Growing Pattern of Violence and Insecurity
Refugees say this is not an isolated case. Similar assaults have been reported in recent months, especially near junctions and road bends where CNG drivers target vulnerable passengers, particularly during the evening hours.
“We have seen too many of our youth killed or assaulted like this,” said a community elder from Camp-11. “People are scared to travel—even for emergencies.”
Community members have expressed frustration over the inadequate response from law enforcement. Many say that security presence outside camp boundaries is weak, and incidents like this often go uninvestigated.
Calls for Community Vigilance and Protection
In the wake of the killing, local leaders are urging residents to avoid traveling alone, especially after sunset. They are also advising families to travel in groups and inform community watch groups in advance of any emergency movement.
“This tragedy must not happen again,” said a youth volunteer from Camp-9. “We need stronger protection for our people—and justice for the victim.”
Justice Demanded
The killing of Hafez Maulvi Muhammad Taher has sparked mourning and anger throughout the camps. His community is now demanding a full investigation, immediate arrest of the perpetrator, and stricter regulation of public transport access to and from the camps.
As insecurity deepens across the refugee settlements, many fear this murder is part of a wider breakdown in protection and accountability.
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