Cox’s Bazar, Oct 13 (V7N) – Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have detained 28 Rohingya men, women, and children for illegally residing outside refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. One local resident who provided them shelter was also arrested during the operation.

The detainees were apprehended late Saturday night during a special drive conducted by an intelligence team from RAB-15’s CPC-1 unit based in Teknaf. The arrested local has been identified as Borhan Uddin, 18, son of Rashid Ahmed from the West Shikdarpara area of Hnila Union in Teknaf upazila.

Assistant Superintendent of Police and RAB-15’s Law and Media Officer, A. M. Faruk, confirmed the operation. He stated that many Rohingyas have recently been found leaving their designated camps to rent houses or even purchase land in nearby areas to settle permanently. According to him, “These illegal settlers are increasingly getting involved in serious crimes such as murder, robbery, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, posing a significant threat to law and order in Cox’s Bazar and adjacent districts.”

RAB sources added that several previous operations have been carried out against Rohingyas unlawfully residing outside the camps. Authorities have vowed to continue joint drives with other law enforcement agencies to curb these illegal activities and restore stability in the region.

After initial interrogation, the 28 detained Rohingyas and the arrested local youth were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station. Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.

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