A wave of fear has gripped the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar after a man was shot and left for dead in a violent incident last Wednesday evening. The victim, Foredul Hok, a resident of Camp 11 who runs a shop in the Camp 12 market, was found critically injured near Camp 18.
The attack occurred between 5:30 and 5:40 PM in sub-block L-17, an area that lies between Camps 17 and 18. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots before finding Hok lying on the roadside, bleeding heavily. Residents of Camp 18 quickly responded, rushing him to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic in Camp 17, where he is currently fighting for his life.
Speculation is rife within the camps, with many fearing that the attack could be linked to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) or other armed groups known to operate in the area. These groups have been accused of engaging in extortion and ransom demands, preying on the vulnerable refugee population. Hok, as a shopkeeper, may have been targeted for refusing to comply with such demands.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the growing influence of armed groups and the increasing danger for those who refuse to bow to their demands. Hok’s family and friends are anxiously waiting for updates on his condition, while the broader community is calling for immediate action to prevent further violence.
Authorities are investigating the incident, though details are still emerging. The community is demanding justice for Hok and greater protection against the threats posed by armed groups.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the Rohingya people in the refugee camps. With tensions rising and the specter of violence ever-present, the need for enhanced security and support for these vulnerable communities has never been more urgent.
