A commander of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) was arrested by Bangladeshi security forces at Balukhali Refugee Camp No. 9 in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, on the morning of August 16, according to Bangladeshi media reports.
The arrest was carried out during a special operation in Block D/03 of Camp No. 9 based on intelligence received by the 8th Armed Police Battalion (8 APBn) and Ukhiya Police Station, according to the reports.
Police said the detainee was accused of attempting to exert influence within the refugee camp and of involvement in extortion, kidnapping and acts of violence.
According to reports citing the police statement, the detainee admitted during preliminary interrogation that he was affiliated with ARSA.
Authorities are currently continuing investigations and legal proceedings against the detainee. The 8 APBn said similar operations would continue to strengthen law enforcement and security in the refugee camps.
Conflicts between armed groups and criminal activities continue to pose security challenges in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. Local reports say concerns among camp residents have increased due to incidents including killings, kidnappings, extortion and other acts of violence.
Meanwhile, local reports have also linked the activities of ARSA and other armed groups in areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to incidents of kidnapping, killings, human trafficking and drug trafficking.
The latest arrest highlights Bangladesh authorities’ ongoing efforts to control the activities of armed groups inside refugee camps and maintain heightened security in the camps.
