By: Camp Correspondent
July 18, 2025
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies carried out a joint operation on July 16 across several Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities. The authorities described the effort as part of ongoing measures to “strengthen law and order” inside the camps, which host over a million displaced Rohingya from Myanmar.
In Shamlapur refugee camp, 27-year-old Junayed Uddin (also known as Zaw Naing), son of Muhammad Alam and Amina Khatun, was arrested near Fajur Tea Shop in A/2 Block. Authorities claim that illegal drugs were found in his possession, and he is suspected to be involved in drug trafficking.
A separate raid took place in Leda Refugee Camp (Camp-24), targeting alleged illegal gambling in F Block. A small shop locally known as “Paan-Cigarette-Tea,” owned by 34-year-old Muhammad Sha Alam, was searched. Five individuals were arrested during the operation, and gambling tools, cash, and a smartphone were seized.
The arrested individuals from Camp-24 are:
- Noor Alam, 58, son of Amir Hossain
- Muhammad Rohim, 20, son of Noor Islam
- Jahan Gir, 18, son of Mogtul Hossain
- Anowar Faisal, 21, son of Hamidul Islam
- Abdul Karim, 20, son of Boshi Karim
All are residents of Camp-24 in Teknaf.
In another operation conducted in Nayapara Registered Camp (Camp-26), two Rohingya individuals with active arrest warrants were detained. One of them, Muhammad Kobir, 45, son of the late Abdu Sallam, was arrested from Block B. The other, Saynora Begum, 45, wife of Muhammad Faruk, was arrested from Shed-953 in Block E of Camp-26 Extension. She is reportedly facing charges under Bangladesh’s 1990 Narcotics Control Act.
All arrested individuals were transferred to Teknaf Police Station for further legal procedures. Law enforcement officials stated that witness testimony was recorded and all documentation was completed.
Authorities have called on residents of the camps to cooperate with law enforcement and report any unlawful activities. However, the Rohingya community remains cautious, expressing concern about profiling, collective suspicion, and the absence of legal aid or proper due process for refugee defendants.
Observers note that while tackling crime is essential, efforts must also safeguard the dignity and rights of displaced people who already face immense hardship, legal limbo, and limited access to justice mechanisms in Bangladesh.
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