Ukhia–Teknaf, Feb 04 (V7N) - Law enforcement agencies have arrested a top commander of the Rohingya armed rebel group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) during a joint operation in the Lambashia Rohingya camp in Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar.

The arrested man has been identified as Zahid Hossain Prakash, also known as Lalu, a senior ARSA commander. He was detained at around 7:30am on Wednesday from a tea stall adjacent to FDMN Camp-1 (West) in Ukhia. A five-star pistol and two rounds of live ammunition were recovered from his possession during the operation.

According to law enforcement sources, Lalu had long been involved in criminal and militant activities inside the Rohingya camps, including intimidation, kidnapping, extortion, arms trafficking, and internal domination. As an active ARSA commander, he allegedly controlled criminal networks across multiple camp blocks.

Sources further said there is evidence of his direct and indirect involvement in several killings, acts of violence, and arms consignments linked to former ARSA chief Ataullah Jununi. Multiple cases and arrest warrants were pending against him in connection with those incidents.

Intelligence reports also indicate that Lalu had recently been attempting to regroup ARSA operatives in the camp area with the aim of carrying out anti-state sabotage ahead of the upcoming national elections. He was reportedly holding secret meetings and maintaining communications to reactivate criminal networks within the camps.

After initial interrogation, the arrested suspect was handed over to the concerned police station. Law enforcement agencies said intelligence surveillance and operations have been intensified to identify and apprehend his associates, arms suppliers, and other active ARSA members.

Authorities reiterated that joint operations will continue with a zero-tolerance policy to curb terrorism, illegal arms, and drug-related activities in the Rohingya camp areas.

Ukhia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nur Ahmed confirmed the arrest, stating that multiple cases have been filed against the accused.

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