Two Rohingya Men Abducted Near Cox’s Bazar Link Road, Released After Ransom Payment

By: Hafizur Rahman

Camp 14, Cox’s Bazar – July 20, 2025

Two Rohingya refugees from Camp 14 were abducted on Friday morning near Cox’s Bazar Link Road by unidentified individuals who falsely claimed to be government officials. The victims—Mohammed Anos and Abdullah, residents of sub-blocks D03 and E02—were reportedly released later that day after their families paid a ransom under duress.

The incident occurred around 11:30 AM on July 19 as the two men were walking toward their workplace outside the camp area. According to family members, a group of three men in a CNC vehicle approached them and demanded to see their CIC (Camp-in-Charge) permission documents. When Anos and Abdullah admitted they did not have the required documents, the men claimed they were taking them to a government office for further questioning.

Instead, the two were forcibly taken to an undisclosed location.

The kidnappers soon contacted the families, demanding 4 lakh Bangladeshi Taka (approx. USD 3,400) in exchange for their release. Struggling under immense financial and emotional pressure, the families managed to raise and pay 2 lakh Taka (approx. USD 1,700) after negotiation.

Both men were released later that evening but were found severely beaten. They are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

A relative of one of the victims described the trauma the family endured: “We were terrified. We didn’t know if we would ever see them again. We had to borrow money and sell valuables just to get them back alive.”

Throughout the abduction, the perpetrators reportedly made confusing political remarks and blamed the government for the situation—fueling uncertainty about their actual identity and motives. It remains unclear whether the abductors were part of an organized criminal ring, rogue actors impersonating officials, or affiliated with any group.

The incident has sparked fear across Camp 14 and surrounding areas, especially among those who travel outside camp boundaries in search of daily work. Several residents expressed concerns about rising insecurity and the vulnerability of refugees in areas surrounding the camps.

“This is not the first time we’ve heard of such abductions,” said a local youth volunteer. “But most cases are silenced. People are too scared to speak up.”

There has been no official comment from Bangladeshi authorities regarding the incident. Human rights observers have long warned that the lack of legal protection and limited mobility for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh leaves them at high risk of extortion, abuse, and exploitation.