Cox’s Bazar, July 26 (V7N) — Residents of Balukhali 8 West Rohingya Camp in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar have expressed concerns over alleged criminal activities by an organised group, claiming that many refugees are living in fear and insecurity.
Several camp residents alleged that the group has long been involved in activities including drug trafficking, abduction, extortion, and intimidation. They claimed that those who protest against such activities often face threats of harassment, violence, or other forms of retaliation.
During a recent visit to the camp, several residents told Voice7 News that many families avoid going outside after evening due to fear. Women and children are reportedly among those most affected by the security concerns. Some families have also moved to other camps or relatives’ homes, according to local residents.
Residents alleged that members of a group linked to a suspected drug network operating along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border have established influence inside the camp. They claimed that the group is involved in bringing yaba and other narcotics into the camp for distribution elsewhere, while also engaging in alleged abductions, ransom demands, extortion, and intimidation.
Some residents identified several individuals whom they accused of involvement in these activities. However, the allegations could not be independently verified by Voice7 News .
A camp resident, Shamsul Alam, claimed that he left the camp due to repeated harassment. “We want to live peacefully, but many people are afraid to speak out because of threats,” he said.
Another resident, Salima Khatun, alleged that some families were forced to pay money regularly and faced intimidation if they failed to comply. She urged the authorities to take effective measures to ensure safety inside the camp.
A woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that some people had allegedly been taken away and that their families were later asked for ransom payments. She said many residents were living under constant fear.
Several other residents alleged that members of the suspected group use their influence to intimidate ordinary refugees and discourage them from reporting incidents to authorities. These claims could not be independently verified.
Residents further claimed that they had informed camp authorities about the situation verbally on several occasions but that no effective action had been taken. However, this claim could not be independently confirmed.
The individuals accused by residents could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts to contact them by phone.
Balukhali 8 West Camp-in-Charge (CiC) Rintu Bikash Chakma said he had recently taken charge and had not received any written complaint regarding such allegations. “If we receive any specific complaint, we will investigate and take necessary legal action,” he said.
Additional DIG Siraj Amin, commander of the 14 Armed Police Battalion (APBn), said authorities had no such specific information at present. “If we receive any specific information or complaint, we will investigate and take action according to the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents of the camp have called for a special joint-force operation against the alleged criminal network, saying strict action would help improve security and ensure a safer living environment for ordinary Rohingya refugees.
The allegations highlight ongoing security challenges in some Rohingya camps, where humanitarian agencies and law enforcement authorities have repeatedly faced difficulties in maintaining safety and preventing criminal activities.
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