We are deeply concerned at the violence being committed by the Rohingya refugees which has created a tensed situation in Ukhia and Teknaf upazilas in Cox’s Bazaar. Being instigated by a number of unscrupulous agents of different global extremist groups, Rohingyas are increasingly taking the path of violence.
Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar have turned into paradises for criminals and drug-peddlers. Criminal gangs, active in the camps, often lock into bloody confrontations over control of markets, Yaba smuggling, and human trafficking. Forty-three Rohingyas were killed in the last two years in internal conflicts among these gangs while 32 others died in gunfights with security forces. Nearly 1,100 Rohingyas have been accused in 471 cases – 208 of them related to narcotics – since the influx began in late August 2017.
Earlier on Thursday, the murder of a local ruling party official at a refugee camp triggered violent protests as disgruntled locals vandalised and blockaded the Jadimura Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf. This certainly reflects the chaotic situation prevailing in these areas where the life and livelihood of locals have been overwhelmed due to the persistent presence of Rohingya refugees.
However, following the incident both locals and Rohingya refugees are feeling insecure which could worsen the already strained relations between locals and Rohingyas.
Considering the prevailing chaotic situation, of late, the government has planned to set up barbed wire-fencing surrounding all the Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazaar. We are told that the initiatives taken in the wake of criminal activities by the Rohingyas are aimed at stopping their criminal acts. In this regard, it is worth mentioning that the mere fencing would not be able to restrain Rohingya criminals and smugglers from doing their illegal deeds.
The constant onslaught of trafficking
and drug gangs in the Rohingya camps makes
it logistically very challenging to provide
adequate security in most of the camps
The constant onslaught of trafficking and drug gangs in the Rohingya camps make it logistically very challenging to provide adequate security in most of the Rohingya camps . Although there is police presence in these camps along with other officials and their associates, it is not enough to combat the crimes. It is a situation that is inevitable when thousands of desperate people are forced to stay in cramped, unhygienic conditions for months on end.
It is high time that the authorities concerned beef up security as much as possible and catch the perpetrators especially the gangs that are carrying out criminal activities. Considering the prevailing situation in the refugee camps, authorities concerned should take immediate actions to establish law and order in the Rohingya camps and surrounding areas. The authorities should do the needful to restrain locals from taking law into their own hands.
