by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | May 15, 2026
A Rohingya refugee was reportedly abducted and physically abused before being released following a ransom payment in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, according to family members and local sources.
The victim, Jafar Alam, 28, is a resident of Camp 14, Block A, and the son of Shirazul Islam.
According to relatives, he was abducted on May 1 from Thankhali Bazaar by three unidentified men. Local sources said the abductors later took him to Yahyya Garden, locally known as Rabar Bagan, near the TV Tower area, where he was allegedly held for around three days.
Family members said the kidnappers initially demanded 300,000 Bangladeshi taka for his release.
Relatives further stated that the family was unable to arrange the full amount and later negotiated with the abductors, who eventually agreed to release him after receiving 130,000 taka.
After returning home, Jafar Alam was reported to have suffered physical injuries and severe distress following the incident.
No arrests had been reported as of Friday, and authorities had not publicly identified those responsible.
Residents in the camps say incidents involving abduction, ransom demands, extortion, and armed criminal activity continue to raise security concerns for Rohingya refugees living in and around the camps.
