A recent outbreak of violence at the Nayapara Refugee Camp has left many Rohingya refugees injured and fearful, with accusations that local police, rather than protecting them, have been complicit in the attacks. According to refugees, the violence escalated when police conducted aggressive searches throughout the camp, firing iron ball bullets and targeting shelters indiscriminately.
“Police were supposed to protect us, but instead, they came into our camp and shot at us,” said one of the refugees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The refugees describe the police entering every narrow lane, shining searchlights into homes, and firing at anyone they found. Many were left injured and terrified.
The situation appears to have been sparked by the actions of a small group of Rohingya criminals who allegedly teamed up with local robbers. However, refugees argue that the entire community is being unfairly punished for the crimes of a few. “You can’t punish 20,000 or more innocent people for the actions of 20 or 50 criminals,” one community leader said.
The violence didn’t stop with the police. Villagers reportedly entered the camp, destroying property and attacking refugees while police stood by. The World Food Programme (WFP) office was ransacked, with food supplies and essential resources destroyed. It wasn’t until the army intervened and the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of the Ukhiya police station assured the refugees that the situation would be brought under control that the violence began to subside.
But the refugees remain unconvinced. “The police allowed the villagers in and did nothing to stop them,” said one victim. “How can we trust them to protect us when they’re the ones attacking us?” Refugees allege that the police and villagers even fired on them together, leaving them feeling more vulnerable than ever.
The situation in the camp is now extremely tense. Refugees report that police patrols are targeting shops, forcing them to close, and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. “We’re not criminals; we’re just trying to survive,” said a shopkeeper.
Community leaders are also frustrated with the authorities, who have requested that they ensure the safety of local citizens. “We’re guests in this country,” one leader said. “How can we protect others when we can’t even protect ourselves?”
Now, as they try to recover from the latest wave of violence, the refugees are demanding a fair and thorough investigation into what happened. “We have no one to protect us,” one refugee said, fighting back tears. “All we want is the truth, and for those responsible to be held accountable.”
The situation at Nayapara Refugee Camp remains fragile, with the community’s cries for justice and safety echoing through the camp. For people already scarred by years of persecution in Myanmar, this latest violence has deepened their sense of insecurity and despair.
