622 Rohingyas detained outside camps in Ukhiya

Cox’s Bazar authorities and joint security forces have detained 622 Rohingyas living illegally outside refugee camps in Ukhiya and returned them to the camps, officials said on Sunday.

The operation, led by the Bangladesh Army, began Sunday morning across Balukhali and surrounding areas in Ukhiya as part of measures to maintain security ahead of the upcoming national parliamentary election.

Army sources said the detainees were identified for residing outside the official camps, which is not permitted under existing regulations. 

“Approximately 622 Rohingyas living outside the camps were detained and sent back to ensure compliance with camp rules,” the sources added.

Rohingya resident Nur Kamal said, “We went outside for work. Now we have been sent back to the camp. The authorities instructed us to stay inside the camp.”

Another detainee, Abdul Hakim, also known as Bulu, said, “We were outside against the rules, which was wrong. But the administration explained and returned us to the camp.”

Ukhiya Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Nur Ahmad said, “When Rohingyas stay outside the camps, it creates law and order risks. Therefore, joint forces regularly conduct operations. On Sunday, around 622 individuals were sent back to the camps.”

Earlier, joint forces conducted similar operations in Dohazari, Chattogram, detaining several Rohingyas found living outside the camps.

SU/SH