We are deeply concerned at the soaring criminal activities in and around the Rohingya camps. As reported by this daily on Thursday, local residents of Teknaf and Ukhiya complain against Rohingyas committing from petty to violent crimes disturbing peace in the areas. The report gives us glimpses of extortion, human trafficking, prostitution, robbery and other common crimes that are committed in the camps. Reportedly, in the last 4 years, around 3,000 Rohingyas have been accused in 1,298 cases. Certainly such a situation calls for serious actions to curb crime in the Rohingya camps.
Law enforcement agencies should beef up security
as much as possible in and around the refugee camps
It is alleged that Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar have turned into dens of criminal activities. According to media reports, criminal gangs, active in the camps, often lock into bloody confrontations over control of markets, Yaba smuggling, and human trafficking. Also, Rohingyas have been engaged in serious confrontations with locals over supremacy of drug smuggling.
The authorities concerned should take necessary measures to beef up security as much as possible and catch the perpetrators especially the gangs that are carrying out criminal activities. Considering the prevailing situation, law enforcement agencies should take immediate actions to establish law and order in the refugee camps and surrounding areas. Last but not least, relevant authorities should do the needful to restrain locals from taking law into their own hands.
