Local administrative and political elements' corruption and autocratic behaviour have led to severe security threats in Ukhiya and Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, according to allegations raised by Dhaka University (DU) students from the region.
Protesting incidents of corruption and human rights violation in the two areas, DU Student Association of Ukhiya-Teknaf (DUSAT) formed a human chain at the base of Raju Sculpture on the campus on Saturday.
The protest highlighted issues such as the Rohingya crisis, terrorism, abduction, extortion, drug trafficking, and the abuse of power by local authorities.
The speakers claimed that corruption and a lack of coordination among law enforcement agencies were fueling criminal activities in the region.
DUSAT President Zainal Abedin said that Ukhiya and Teknaf, once prosperous, are now plagued by human-made problems.
He mentioned a recent incident where a 14-year-old child, Rafi, was wrongly arrested by police and sent to jail.
Zainal condemned bribes needed to become local officials, alleging that police officers and political leaders are involved in a vicious cycle of crime, including kidnapping for ransom.
He added that kidnappings are rampant in the area, with families having to sell land and property to pay ransoms, which are handed over directly to local leaders and law enforcement officers.
Zainal highlighted severe insecurity felt by local residents, especially women, who live in constant fear due to the presence of criminal syndicates in the area.
At that time, DUSAT leaders placed 10 demands to address the ongoing issues of security and corruption in Ukhiya and Teknaf.
The demands included re-investigation into the arrest of seventh-grade student Rafi under the Arms Act and his release if proven innocent, investigation into allegations against Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Gias Uddin and his removal within 24 hours and appointment of honest and competent officers to the police, RAB, BGB, and Coast Guard in Ukhiya and Teknaf.
The student organisation also demanded to take effective actions to eliminate terrorism, drug trafficking, abductions, and extortion, monitoring administration's activities regularly and no officer should serve in the same position for more than a year.
Other demands included action against corruption of previously appointed administrative officials in Ukhiya and Teknaf, ensuring safety of common people and swift resolution to the Rohingya crisis.
The DUSAT demanded investigations into all extrajudicial killings, including that of Councilor Ekram.
DUSAT General Secretary Riaz Uddin and members Farzana Akhter, Nurul Islam Nahid, Mizanur Rahman and former President Mortaza Hossain Shafi spoke at the human chain, among others.
