by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh | July 5, 2026
Two Rohingya refugee women were injured during an armed robbery at a refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar in the early hours of Saturday, and two suspects were later apprehended by refugees before being handed over to law enforcement authorities, according to refugee residents.
Witnesses said a group of armed individuals entered several shelters by cutting through perimeter fences before stealing mobile phones, cash, and other valuables. The incident occurred during heavy rainfall, which residents said reduced visibility and kept many people indoors.
In Balukhali Camp-10, one woman sustained serious injuries after reportedly being assaulted during the robbery. She was taken to the Turkish Field Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to a hospital in Cox’s Bazar for further medical care. Another woman in the same camp was also assaulted and injured.
Residents said the same group carried out similar robberies in other parts of the camp on the same night.
According to community members, four people were suspected of involvement in the robberies. Residents said two of the suspects were apprehended by refugees before being handed over to law enforcement authorities. They also said some of the stolen property was recovered.
The incidents have renewed concerns about security in the Rohingya refugee camps, where more than one million refugees live after fleeing violence in Myanmar. Refugees say robberies and other security incidents often increase during periods of heavy rain, when movement is limited and visibility is reduced.
Some residents also alleged that the suspects may have been linked to previous child abduction cases reported in the camps. Rohingya Khobor has not independently verified these claims, and no official authority has confirmed any such connection.
Community members have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during late-night hours, and to report any suspicious activity to camp authorities or law enforcement officials.
