by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, October 16, 2025:
A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Rohingya refugee community in Camp 22 after the body of a 10-year-old boy, Mohammed Rashid, who had been missing for more than two months, was found in a nearby forest on October 14.
The Child’s Disappearance and Discovery
Mohammed Rashid, son of Roshid Ahmed and Romida, went missing on September 7, 2025. His body was discovered this week in a decomposed state near the border of Camp 22, leaving residents in deep grief and fear. Many believe he was kidnapped and killed by abductors.
His father, Roshid Ahmed, recounted the painful story to Rohingya Khobor:
“My son was playing on the road when a man named Was Korim, aged 23, from Camp 22, took him to a small forest nearby. He told my son to come eat snacks and gave him some money and food. Later, he called me and demanded 1.5 lakh taka as ransom. I could only manage 50,000 taka. Then they killed my son. I have given my son to Allah for His blessing.”
Lack of Support and Delayed Response
After the abduction, the father said he contacted the UNHCR hotline for help but received no effective support.
A relative of the child said, “We are heartbroken after finding the body with only bones and a skull. He was just a small boy. No child deserves to die like this.”
Suspect Arrested, But Crime Continued
About ten days after the kidnapping, community leaders and the block Majhi apprehended the suspect, Was Korim, and handed him over to police. He was later sent to jail. However, other members of his group allegedly continued the crime and killed the boy.
A neighbor described the accused as an online gambler who lost everything in betting.
“After losing all his money, he joined other kidnappers. He abducted the boy to repay gambling debts with the help of some local Bangladeshi people. Later, they hid the boy’s remains in the forest,” the neighbor said.
Growing Concern Over Online Gambling and Crime
Residents said that online gambling is leading to increased crime inside the camps and urged camp authorities to take immediate action. Community members are now calling on the Bangladesh government to launch a strong crackdown against kidnappers and gamblers to ensure children’s safety.
A head Majhi told Rohingya Khobor, “The government must take strong action to protect our children from kidnappers. We cannot live in fear every day. Security in the camps is getting worse. We need more operations and quick action whenever someone goes missing.”
A Community in Mourning
The killing of young Mohammed Rashid has left Camp 22 in grief and outrage. The tragedy serves as another painful reminder of the growing insecurity and lawlessness facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh’s camps, where even children are no longer safe.
