Teknaf, Oct 8 (V7N) – A special operation by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-15) in the Hnila Union area of Teknaf upazila led to the detention of 37 Rohingya refugees, including men, women, and children, who had been living illegally outside designated camps. RAB also detained a local woman accused of sheltering them.
 
The detainees were found residing in rented houses in the Purbo Pankhali area of Ward No. 4 under Hnila Union. The house owner, identified as Mst. Yasmin Akhter (34), wife of Nur Alam of the same area, was arrested during the operation. She has since been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action.
 
According to RAB-15 sources, the operation was launched late Tuesday night, October 7, based on confidential intelligence reports. The RAB team raided multiple rental houses in the area and detained the Rohingya individuals. Several other landlords accused of illegally renting houses to Rohingyas reportedly fled the scene before RAB’s arrival.
 
Officials stated that many of the detained individuals had been living outside the camps for an extended period and that some were allegedly involved in criminal activities, including abduction, murder, and extortion.
 
In a press release signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police and Assistant Director (Law and Media) A.M. Faruk, RAB-15 confirmed that the detained Rohingyas have been handed over to the local police for necessary legal action.
 
The statement added that RAB, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, continues regular operations to prevent Rohingyas from leaving the camps and settling illegally in nearby localities. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and announced that similar drives will continue in the future.
 
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