Cox’s Bazar, Oct 7 (V7N) — The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has detained a total of 170 Rohingyas, including men, women, and children, who had illegally left their camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf on Tuesday. The detainees include 88 men, 50 women, and 32 children. According to BGB sources, they were residents of various registered camps in the region and had left without permission, reportedly seeking work or attending to personal matters.

After being detained, the Rohingyas were handed over to their respective camp leaders (majhis) through the camp administration in accordance with official procedures.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashiqur Rahman, Commanding Officer of Teknaf 2 BGB Battalion, said that the unauthorized movement of Rohingyas outside the camps is disrupting local law and order. “This situation has fueled the rise of crimes such as human trafficking, drug trading, theft, abduction, and even murder,” he stated, adding that BGB operations are being conducted regularly and will continue to ensure public safety and stability.

Local camp officials have expressed similar concerns. Ismail, a majhi from Camp 26 in Jadimura, said that awareness campaigns, public announcements, and meetings have been held to discourage Rohingyas from leaving the camps. “Despite repeated warnings, some still go out for work, fishing, or medical treatment. The BGB detains them and later hands them back to us,” he said.

Currently, more than one million Rohingyas reside in camps across Ukhiya and Teknaf, having fled persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State during the 2017 military crackdown. While Bangladesh and the international community continue to provide humanitarian support, the prolonged presence of this large refugee population has increasingly affected the local economy, environment, and social stability.

Locals have complained that Rohingyas are working in nearby markets and agricultural fields, creating pressure on the local labor market and contributing to rising incidents of theft and other crimes.

To address these challenges, authorities have intensified surveillance inside the camps and set up additional checkpoints on nearby roads. According to multiple BGB and administrative sources, anyone found outside the camps without authorization is being identified and returned following due legal process. Officials have reiterated that no one will be exempted if caught violating camp restrictions.

In a separate operation, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-15) detained 13 Rohingyas and two Bangladeshi nationals from Teknaf Municipality’s KK Para area late Monday night. The Bangladeshis—identified as Abdullah (27), son of the late Omar Hamza, and Md Fayaz (65), son of the late Hasan Sharif—were accused of sheltering Rohingyas illegally. The detainees were handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action.

According to a RAB-15 press release signed by Assistant Director A.M. Faruk, the operation was conducted based on intelligence reports that several Rohingyas had been secretly residing in a building known as “Abdullah Mansion.” All 13 Rohingyas were officially registered camp residents receiving government-provided food, healthcare, and aid, yet had been living in the town for months.

Security analysts have warned that such unauthorized movements pose a national security risk, as undocumented Rohingyas may conceal their identity, engage in criminal activities, and disturb social order. RAB officials confirmed that intensified raids will continue, targeting both illegal Rohingya residents and those providing them shelter.

Local residents have welcomed the recent operations but urged the authorities to strengthen surveillance to prevent further breaches. They emphasized that illegal Rohingya movements are heightening public anxiety and threatening local peace.

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