Arsa employing Bangladeshis as mediators in Cox’s Bazar kidnappings

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 8:56 am

Apart from the Rohingya camps in Teknaf and Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar, members of Myanmar’s separatist organization Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) have been involved in kidnapping for a long time.

Arsa members are also reportedly recruiting Bangladeshi nationals, as mediators, to collect ransom after kidnapping Bangladeshis in Cox’s Bazar area.

Bangladeshi locals, who are appointed by Arsa members, deal with the victim’s family.

The abductees will only get released after the family pays the ransom. However, there are many cases where the Arsa members did not release the abductees even after getting paid.

Law enforcement sources said Arsa members are constantly trying to dominate the camps by associating with the Rohingyas.

Detectives say that the Arsa members are involved in murders, and shooting inside the camps, mainly to establish dominance. In addition, they are engaged in kidnappings for the purpose of financial profit.

Officials involved in an investigation said that various Bangladeshi NGOs are also involved with Arsa members. An investigation is currently active.

Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of the Law and Media Wing of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said that the main allegations against Arsa members are kidnapping and arms trade.

“We have found their involvement in these matters. Arsa’s involvement in various slayings has also been uncovered. Their plan was to consolidate their position in the Rohingya camps,” he said.

The RAB official added that security issues have been put at risk as Arsa members now have a good relationship with locals due to various reasons, including drug trade.

Intelligence officials say Arsa’s top-level leader Ataullah and Khaled, the head of the military wing, control everything from Myanmar.

In the past, they have been seen in Rohingya camps, although their whereabouts have not been ascertainable in recent times. They have appointed individuals to oversee the camp and hold various positions, officials said.

Responding to a question on whether militant organizations have been found to be associated with Arsa a law enforcement official, requesting anonymity, said that Ziaul Haque aka Major Zia was seen in the Rohingya camps from time to time.

It cannot be asserted that Rohingyas are not at risk of becoming involved in militancy, they added.