Rohingyas in Bangladesh have become involved in a variety of crimes, ranging from murder, rape to abduction, extortion and robbery. They are also involved in illegal narcotics trade and immediate steps are taken, the crime rate will soar, creating a challenge for law enforcers. The present situation has prompted the police to consider putting up barbed wires around the camps and the use of CCTV cameras.
Recently, a report has been sent to the police Headquarters by Cox’s Bazar district police, mentioning the need for barbed wires.
Relevant people say that monitoring 1.1 million Rohingyas in itself is a challenge and, as days go by, the law and order situation is deteriorating.
Since repatriation is being delayed, Rohingya based threats are rising.
There is also a feeling that exploiting the Rohingyas, several local and foreign organisations are trying to establish links with them to serve their own illegal interests.
For this, they are targeting young Rohingyas, giving them financial help plus training and controlling them, the report states.
Cox’s Bazar police Superintendent, ABM Masud Hossain, said: “In comparison to locals, the crime rate among Rohingyas is not high but when more than 1 million Rohingyas live in one area, major incident may happen any day.”
The situation is under control now but we must be careful in the future, added the police official.
At the moment, 900 police personnel are engaged in ensuring security for Rohingyas and, of the two battalions requested, one has been approved.
There are seven police camps. However, the report says that law enforcers of two police stations are not enough for more than 1.1 million Rohingyas.
The report asks for three additional police stations, several police information centres and a temporary court to deal with crimes among Rohingyas.
Police source say that following a home ministry order, a new battalion 14 APBN, Cox’s Bazar has been formed and its operational work is under processing.