On August 25, 2017, the influx of Rohingyas from Myanmar in search of asylum came to Bangladesh. Today, Thursday (August 25), five years of this world-discussed crisis have been completed. During this time, 2 thousand 438 cases were registered in Rohingya camps in 12 types of crimes. But alarmingly, the number of cases in the last one year is almost equal to the total number of cases in the previous four years.Analysts and conscious circles are positive because of the increase in the recovery of weapons and drugs in these cases, but they have expressed concern over the incidents of murder, rape and kidnapping. Said, it is increasing due to prolonged crisis. Which can be a threat to regional and national security.According to the information provided by the Cox’s Bazar District Police, a total of 2,438 cases have been filed in Rohingya camps in 12 types of crimes from August 25, 2017 to August 20, 2022. Where the total number of accused is 5 thousand 226 people.Data analysis shows that in 5 years, 185 cases of arms recovery, 1 thousand 636 cases of drug recovery. 88 rape cases. There have been 39 cases of kidnapping and ransom collection or attempted collection. Besides, more than 110 murders have been committed in 5 years. Although the number of murder cases in 5 years is 100. Where there are cases of double murder, 6 murders.Before this, 1,298 cases have been filed against Rohingyas in 4 years till August 2021 in 12 types of crimes including weapons, drugs, rape, kidnapping, special power law, robbery or preparation of robbery, murder, human trafficking. Among them 70 murder, 762 drug, 28 human trafficking, 87 weapons, 65 rape and 10 robbery and 34 kidnapping and ransom cases and 89 cases under other laws.In 2017, the number of cases against Rohingyas for various crimes was 76 and 159 people were convicted. In 2018, there are 414 accused in 208 cases. In 2019, the number of cases increased to 263 and 649 people were accused. In 2020, 449 Rohingyas were accused in 184 cases. As of August 2021, more than 1,000 Rohingyas were accused in 567 cases. In the last one year, 1 thousand 140 cases have been filed in Rohingya camps in 12 crimes. Where 98 weapons recovery, 874 drug recovery, 23 rape and 30 murder cases.According to statistics, the number of cases in the camp in the last one year is almost equal to the number of cases in the previous 4 years.
Rohingya researcher and professor of Chittagong University. Rahman Nasir Uddin said that such a situation has arisen due to the prolongation of the Rohingya crisis. As the world’s refugee crisis drags on, 2 types of crime continue to rise. One of which is the conflict between themselves, the other is the conflict with the local population. The same is happening with the Rohingyas.
The professor also said that as a result of the Rohingya crisis, the rate of illegal trade at the border is increasing. Locals are also using Rohingyas in various ways to smuggle drugs and weapons. Meanwhile, the Rohingyas, frustrated by the idle time, are turning to illegal trade.
About the Rohingya, this researcher also said that the more the delay in solving the Rohingya crisis, the more the country will be under threat. Every refugee problem is a threat to national and regional security. The Rohingya crisis is not beyond that.
Rohingya and immigration expert Asif Munir said that crime cannot be analyzed with the number of cases. The cases are pending in court. However, some unusual or alarming situation is being noticed. The scene before and after the deployment of law and order in the APBN camp is different. There has been some improvement in the situation here. In particular, incidents of arson or kidnapping have decreased slightly.It is known that such development is due to voluntary guarding in the camp. But the concern is that because of this, those who are leading as Majhi or Sub Majhi are being targeted and killed.
Asif Munir also said that now it is important to identify the armed groups among the Rohingyas and work together. High-level coordination should be made with APBN inside the camp, police, RAB and other forces outside. At the same time, it is important to increase intelligence surveillance.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) of Cox’s Bazar. Rafiqul Islam said that all the cases that are related to various crimes in the camp are being seriously investigated and measures are being taken. Police are on high alert outside the camp. Assistance is also being given to APBN inside the camp if necessary.
