COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh – A violent clash erupted at a refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, resulting in the deaths of three Rohingya individuals and leaving seven others injured. The incident took place at the Madhurchhara Camp 4 Extension, where Rohingya camp security personnel and local police reported an attack carried out by members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, a Myanmar-based insurgent group.
The deceased individuals were identified as Md Iliyas, 31, Md Ishaq, 54, and Firoz Khan, 18. Among the injured were Abdul Haque, 32, Abdus Shukkur, 55, and Abdul Monaf, 60. According to Mohammad Iqbal, commander of the 14 Armed Police Battalion, around 40-45 ARSA militants infiltrated Camp 4 and fatally attacked Iliyas with a sharp weapon, leading to his immediate death.
Following the initial attack, the militants indiscriminately fired upon other Rohingya individuals who rushed to help, resulting in injuries to six more people. The injured were promptly taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Unfortunately, two additional individuals succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical care.
Commander Iqbal highlighted the dangerous presence of ARSA militants in the camp, indicating their efforts to reassert dominance and engage in subversive activities. In response to the incident, Shamim Hossen, inspector of Ukhiya Police Station, confirmed the retrieval of the deceased bodies for further examination at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital Morgue.
Legal actions are being pursued in light of the violent clash, as authorities aim to address the ongoing security challenges within the refugee camp. The volatile situation underscores the complexities and tensions present in the camp, requiring continued vigilance and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.