By: Camp Correspondent
March 2025 |
The recent arrest of six suspected members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, has sparked mixed reactions within the Rohingya community, with many expressing concerns about the implications of such incidents on the wider refugee population.
Arrest and Raid Details
On Monday night, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) 11 conducted a late-night operation at Bhumipalli Tower, a residential building in Siddhirganj’s Bhumipalli area, detaining six individuals allegedly linked to ARSA. The arrests were confirmed by Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahinur Alam on Tuesday afternoon.
During the operation, RAB recovered:
- Over 2.1 million Bangladeshi Taka (BDT 21,39,100) in cash
- A sharp knife
- A steel chain with sharp teeth and handles
The detainees, all Myanmar nationals, were identified as:
- Atauallah Abu Ammar Jununi (alias Atauallah, 48)
- Mostak Ahmad (66)
- Solimullah (27)
- Mosammat Asmaul Husna
- Hasan (15)
- Moniruzzaman (24)
Authorities claim that the arrested individuals were planning sabotage and criminal activities in Narayanganj and Mymensingh. Following their detention, RAB transferred them to Siddhirganj Police Station, where a case (FIR No. 29) was filed. The suspects were later sent to court as investigations into potential links to extremist networks continue.
Rohingya Community Reacts to the Arrests
The arrests have drawn mixed reactions within the Rohingya community, with some fearing that such incidents could lead to further restrictions and crackdowns on refugees. Rohingya leaders and activists have stressed that ARSA does not represent the wider Rohingya population and that most refugees in Bangladesh are peaceful civilians seeking safety.
A Rohingya community leader in Cox’s Bazar, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Rohingya Khobor:
“Whenever ARSA members are arrested, all Rohingya refugees come under suspicion. We fear that such incidents will lead to more restrictions, police harassment, and further difficulties for our people who are already struggling to survive.”
Another Rohingya refugee from Kutupalong camp added:
“The majority of Rohingya have no connection with armed groups. We are victims of violence and genocide in Myanmar. ARSA’s actions are affecting the entire community, making it even harder for us to find safety and dignity.”
Concerns Over ARSA’s Presence and Impact on Rohingya Refugees
Several Rohingya organizations have distanced themselves from ARSA, emphasizing that the armed group’s actions harm the larger Rohingya struggle for justice and recognition.
A spokesperson for a Rohingya human rights organization, based outside of Bangladesh, stated:
“We have consistently condemned ARSA’s activities. Their presence only provides an excuse for authorities to target Rohingya civilians and limit humanitarian aid. The international community must recognize that Rohingya refugees should not be held responsible for the actions of a small armed group.”
Security analysts have also warned that the growing perception of ARSA-linked activities in Bangladesh could complicate the Rohingya issue further. A Rohingya researcher commented:
“If ARSA is active in Bangladesh, it will only make things worse for refugees. This will strengthen the narrative that Rohingya are a security threat, making it even harder for us to find durable solutions like repatriation with rights and justice.”
Call for Fair Treatment and Protection of Rohingya Refugees
Rohingya community leaders have urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that innocent refugees are not harmed due to the presence of ARSA operatives. They also stressed the need for proper legal proceedings and transparency in dealing with those accused of criminal activities.
“We want the world to know that Rohingya refugees are not militants. We are genocide survivors. The actions of a few individuals should not define an entire community. We call on the Bangladesh government to protect innocent Rohingya from any backlash following these arrests,” said a Rohingya elder in Teknaf.
As investigations continue, Rohingya refugees remain anxious about the potential consequences of these arrests, fearing further restrictions, tighter security measures, and a worsening humanitarian situation in the camps.
