Cox’s Bazar, Feb 8 (V7N) - The Election Commission (EC) has ordered a complete suspension of Rohingya movement outside refugee camps in the lead-up to the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, as part of heightened security measures to ensure a peaceful polling environment.

The directive applies to all Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and other locations across the country. According to the EC, the decision was taken amid concerns over potential sabotage, fake voting, election-related violence, and deterioration of overall law and order.

Intelligence agencies have reported the presence of armed groups and illegal weapons inside several camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf. Based on these assessments, the EC said preventive steps were necessary to stop Rohingyas from being exploited as manpower at polling centers, engaging in paid fake voting, intimidating candidates, or being involved in election-related violence.

The commission also identified risks of Rohingyas participating in election campaigning, spreading provocative messages through social media, and creating panic through armed groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), and the Arakan Army.

Under the new restrictions, Rohingyas will not be allowed to leave camps during the pre-election period or on polling day. All vehicles, including CNG-run auto-rickshaws, autorickshaws, and motorcycles, will be prohibited from operating inside the camps. Large markets located near the camps will be temporarily closed, access by NGOs will be restricted, and all forms of gatherings and social media activities within the camps will be suspended.

To raise awareness, the EC said messages will be disseminated through mosque imams and camp leaders. In parallel, joint security operations to recover illegal weapons will continue, while executive magistrates and mobile courts will be deployed to enforce the restrictions.

The Election Commission emphasized that the measures are aimed solely at maintaining security and ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful election process.

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