Two Muslim refugee women were injured during an armed robbery at a refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, while two suspects were later detained by fellow refugees and handed over to law enforcement authorities, according to camp residents.
Witnesses said a group of armed men entered multiple shelters after cutting through perimeter fencing and stole mobile phones, cash, and other valuables. The robbery took place during heavy rainfall, when poor visibility and restricted movement left many residents inside their shelters.
At Balukhali Camp-10, one woman was seriously injured after reportedly being assaulted during the attack. She received emergency treatment at the Turkish Field Hospital before being transferred to a hospital in Cox's Bazar for further medical care. Another woman in the same camp was also assaulted and sustained injuries.
Residents said the same group was responsible for similar robberies in other sections of the camp on the same night.
Community members believe four individuals were involved in the robberies. Two of the suspects were reportedly apprehended by refugees before being handed over to law enforcement authorities. Residents also said that some of the stolen property was recovered.
The incident has renewed concerns over security in the Muslim refugee camps, where more than one million refugees continue to live after fleeing violence in Myanmar. Camp residents say robberies and other security-related incidents tend to increase during periods of heavy rain, when movement is restricted and visibility is limited.
Some residents also alleged that the suspects may have been linked to previous child abduction cases reported in the camps. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and no official authority has confirmed any connection.
Community leaders have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during late-night hours, and to promptly report any suspicious activity to camp authorities or law enforcement officials.
Photo: The Guardian
