Five islands located in the Naf River along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border are reportedly under the control of the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) and are being used as storage sites for yaba drugs, according to local residents.
The five islands, which locals refer to as the “Naf River Islands,” are Laldia Island, Khererdia, Houserdia, Totardia, and Joillardia.
According to a resident of Palongkhali, RSO members have established bases on the islands and are able to move around freely due to alleged support and assistance from some Bangladeshi authorities.
In addition, some refugees said that although the RSO has existed for many years, it has failed to bring significant benefits to the Muslim community and has instead engaged in activities serving its own interests, including exploitation and profiteering.
From 2017 to the present, allegations have emerged that the RSO has been involved in targeted robberies and killings in refugee camps, kidnappings for ransom, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling.
A political analyst said that if the RSO genuinely wants to contribute to the Muslim community, it should demonstrate tangible and measurable positive results for the people in the coming years.
At present, concerns over security and stability in the border region are increasing following allegations from local residents that the islands along the Naf River are being used as locations linked to the smuggling and transportation of narcotics.
