Cox’s Bazar, Feb 9 (V7N) — A comprehensive joint drive was carried out on Sunday in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar to curb the illegal settlement and movement of Rohingya refugees outside official camps. The operation resulted in the detention of 622 Rohingya individuals from various locations.

The drive was conducted from morning until noon across residential areas, rented houses, colonies, shop surroundings, and other suspected locations in different unions of Ukhiya. The operation was led by the upazila administration, with participation from police, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), local law enforcement agencies, and officials from relevant departments.

According to administrative sources, the detained Rohingya had been living in hiding outside refugee camps for a long time. Many were staying in rented rooms or houses provided by local landlords in exchange for monthly payments. During the operation, none of them were able to produce valid identification documents, official permission to leave the camps, or other required papers.

Following preliminary interrogation and verification, the process of returning the detained Rohingya to their respective refugee camps has begun. Authorities said information on Rohingya found living outside camps is being collected to strengthen monitoring and surveillance in the future.

During the operation, three local house owners were arrested for illegally providing shelter to Rohingya refugees. Through a mobile court, legal action was taken against them, and they were sent to jail as per court orders. In addition, fines totaling Tk 157,000 were imposed on several individuals for various violations.

Officials of the upazila administration stated that unrestricted movement and residence of Rohingya outside camps have been adversely affecting the local law and order situation. Authorities expressed concerns that such activities increase the risk of involvement in drug trafficking, theft, snatching, and other criminal activities, while also creating social and economic tensions with local communities.

The administration reiterated that, under government directives, Rohingya refugees are strictly prohibited from living outside designated camps. Despite this, some local individuals continue to provide shelter for financial gain, which is punishable by law. Authorities emphasized that they remain firm in stopping such illegal practices.

Local residents and house owners have once again been warned that providing illegal shelter to Rohingya refugees in the future will result in strict legal action, including fines and imprisonment. Authorities also said regular drives, intelligence surveillance, and search operations will be intensified to prevent Rohingya from staying outside camps.

Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Noor Ahmed confirmed the operation, stating that after extensive questioning, the detained Rohingya were sent back to their respective camps and that police remain on high alert.

Commander of the 8th Armed Police Battalion (APBn), Riyaz Uddin Ahmed, said that illegal residence outside camps would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that regular operations would continue to ensure security and discipline.

Deputy Commander of the 9th Bengal Regiment in Ukhiya, Major Ahsanul Hai Sourav, said the operation was conducted specifically to identify Rohingya residing outside camps.

Cox’s Bazar District Administration Assistant Commissioner Manjur Bin Afnan said that Rohingya detainees who possessed registration cards were verified and then returned to their respective camps.

Authorities noted that the presence of a large number of Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar has become a major challenge for maintaining law and order and managing refugee affairs. In line with government directives, district and upazila administrations will continue such operations on a regular basis, officials added.

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