Ukhiya, Jan 03, (V7N) - A human chain was organized in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar on Friday (January 3) to demand seven actions, including the immediate repatriation of Rohingyas, strict measures to prevent their infiltration, and other urgent steps. The protest was led by the "Rights Implementation Committee," with local residents participating. The event took place in Palongkhali Bazaar in Ukhiya.
 
Speakers at the human chain highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in Cox's Bazar, particularly due to the presence of Rohingyas. They pointed out the rise in criminal activities, including murders, in the refugee camps. It has been nearly eight years since any Rohingya has been repatriated to their home country, and in recent months, over a lakh of new Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh due to ongoing violence in Arakan. If this situation continues, it will put the lives of the people in Ukhiya, Teknaf, and the broader Cox's Bazar district at great risk.
 
The speakers made seven key demands to the government: the immediate repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, stronger border security to prevent further Rohingya infiltration, and diplomatic efforts to push back the new arrivals from Myanmar. They also called for ensuring the safety of local residents in Ukhiya and Teknaf, giving priority to locals in employment opportunities within the refugee camps (at least 50%), and stopping Rohingyas from roaming freely outside the camps. Additionally, the demand for stricter measures to prevent Rohingyas from renting houses outside the camps was raised. Another key demand was the formation of a monitoring cell with the involvement of the RRRC administration, district administration, and local representatives to ensure transparency in employment processes within the camps.
 
Among those who addressed the human chain were former chairman of Ukhiya Upazila Parishad and current convener of the Upazila BNP, Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, along with Moktar Ahmed, a member of the Upazila BNP, and Shahabuddin, the general secretary of the Palongkhali Union BNP, as well as BNP supporters and local people.
 
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