Rohingya refugee camps showing signs of becoming terrorist hub: Bangla minister

Narinjara News, 2 June 2024

Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district are showing signs of becoming a hub for international terrorists, reported  Bdnews24.

The Bangla minister made these remarks during a visit to a Rohingya refugee camp in southern Bangladesh on Friday, added the Dhaka-based news outlet.

“A hub of international terrorists can be created here. There may be an influx of arms. Many things could happen. And we can see some signs of them,” asserted the minister.

He visited the Bangla police station in Ukhiya at 11 am and met with the officials there for nearly one and half hours. Later he briefed the media over the situation.

Khan  also stated that if the Rohingyas are not sent back to Myanmar urgently, it could lead to unrest in Bangladesh.

"The future of the Rohingyas expelled from Myanmar is uncertain. We have been saying before that if they are not sent back to Myanmar soon, there may be unrest here," added Khan.

"Despite various agreements or understandings signed with Myanmar regarding the return of the Rohingyas, progress has been hindered because of Myanmar. We are concerned about some of the implications regarding the increasing number of Rohingya population in Bangladesh," asserted the home minister.

"Some of those who are fighting inside Myanmar can be seen here (in Rohingya camps). The biggest fear is that our country does not produce any drugs, but illegal drugs have been coming in from Myanmar for a long time. Now some people in the camp are involved in drugs. We are trying to identify them. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to find weapons and those involved in killings,” he commented.

"The main task is to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice," asserted Khan.

Dhaka, in collaboration with numerous international organizations, continues its efforts to repatriate the Rohingyas. But the situation in Myanmar is volatile, with ongoing conflict, he added.

Though various agreements or understandings have been signed with Myanmar’s military rulers on the return of  Rohingyas, it has not progressed because of NayPieTaw, commented Khan, adding, hopefully  Myanmar will take back the Rohingyas soon.