247 murders in Rohingya camps over six-and-a-half years
Representational image. BSS.
The Rohingya camps in Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox's Bazar were once a sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing persecution. But over time, a new kind of terror has taken hold within those very shelters. Power struggles, internal feuds, murders, illegal arms dominance, drug trafficking, kidnappings, and extortion—multidimensional crimes are increasingly destabilizing the 33 registered Rohingya camps. Statistics from the past 6.5 years show that 247 murders have occurred within these camps. Despite continuous operations and surveillance by law enforcement agencies, criminal activities show no signs of abating.
According to multiple officials of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), more than 10 armed and criminal gangs are now active in the camps. These groups frequently clash with each other to establish influence and control. Their activities are further intertwined with drug and arms trafficking, kidnappings, and extortion. As a result, the security situation inside the camps is becoming more complex by the day. APBn data reveals that from January to May this year—just five months—12 murders took place in the Rohingya camps. Prior to that, 22 murders were recorded in 2025, 62 in 2024, a peak of 74 in 2023, 33 in 2022, 33 in 2021, and 11 in 2020. The statistics indicate that 2023 and 2024 saw the highest number of killings in the camps. Authorities believe that the majority of these murders were driven by dominance struggles and conflicts between various criminal gangs.
Illegal arms have become a key tool for criminal groups to display their power. Over the past 6.5 years, the APBn has arrested 584 Rohingyas with arms, filed 389 cases, and seized 53 pistols, 4 revolvers, 395 locally made rifles, and 12 improvised rifles. Law enforcement officials say the increased use of firearms is turning even minor disputes into deadly clashes.
Beyond weapons, a powerful drug syndicate has also grown around the border-adjacent Rohingya camps. Over the past 6.5 years, 2,119 individuals have been arrested in 1,637 drug-related cases. The seized narcotics include 4,883,099 pieces of yaba tablets, along with large quantities of yaba powder, crystal meth (ice), cannabis, wine, and beer.
The impact of crime and instability in the camps is no longer confined to Ukhia and Teknaf. Although Rohingyas live in only these two of Cox's Bazar's nine upazilas, the spiral effects are being felt across the entire district. According to district police, in the first seven months of this year—from January to July—2,936 cases were filed in the district for various crimes, including 88 murder cases. In 2025, approximately 5,000 cases were registered across the district, 138 of which were murder cases. On average, nearly 14 cases are being filed every day across the district for various offenses.
Speaking to Agamir Somoy about the crime situation in the Rohingya camps, APBn Additional IGP Hasib Aziz said that APBn members are taking immediate measures to tackle multidimensional challenges and resolve any problems in the camps. Multiple teams, including the APBn, are working to ensure the security of Rohingyas in Ukhia, Teknaf, and beyond, and to prevent criminal activities.
