Cox’s Bazar , May 7, (V7N) — Police have arrested seven Rohingyas in connection with the murder of Kefayet Ullah Prakash Abdul Halim, head of the Halim Group, in Ukhia’s Kutupalong camp. The arrests were made during a raid at the house of Siraj Uddin alias Headmaji Siraj Uddin in Balukhali Camp‑8 East early Thursday morning.

The detainees — Noor Bashar (38), Maulvi Noorullah (44), Shafi Ullah (35), Zubair alias Master Zubair (35), Siraj Uddin (42), Zahid Hoson (46), and Md. Erfan (31) — were sent to Cox’s Bazar court in the afternoon. Police said they face charges of murder, attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm.

The case, filed by Halim’s brother Faizul Rahman, names 58 accused along with 20–25 unidentified suspects. Locals report growing panic in the camps as armed groups battle for dominance. Two Rohingya leaders — Halim of the Arakan Rohingya Organization (ARO) and Mohammad Kamal, brother of ARA leader Nabi Hossain — were killed in separate shootings on May 5 and 6.

Residents describe worsening insecurity:

  • Rashid Ahmed of Balukhali Camp said unrest has intensified as new groups rise to expand dominance.

  • Saker Ullah of Kutupalong Camp noted that “there is no living environment in the camp.”

  • Leaders warn that ordinary youth are being lured or coerced into joining armed groups.

Police have deployed additional forces to strengthen security. OC Mujibur Rahman of Ukhia Police Station confirmed the murder case registration and ongoing drives to arrest suspects.

Meanwhile, in Palangkhali union, locals accused Shafiqur Rahman and Lutfar Rahman of illegal sand mining under the guise of pond excavation. Authorities halted the activity after intervention by Assistant Commissioner (Bhumi) Sharmin Sultana, who warned of strict legal action under the Bangladesh Sand and Soil Management Act, 2010 (amended 2012).

In a separate operation, RAB‑15 arrested Ali Akbar (32), a fugitive in a murder case, from Tajnima open Rohingya camp. He was handed over to Ukhia Police Station for legal action.

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