Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – Tragedy struck the Rohingya community in Ukhiya as three individuals lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries in a violent clash at a refugee camp. The incident took place at the Madhurchhara Camp 4 Extension, where members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army from Myanmar initiated the attack, as reported by security personnel at the Rohingya camp and local law enforcement officials.
The victims were identified as Md Iliyas, 31, Md Ishaq, 54, and Firoz Khan, 18. Additionally, Abdul Haque, 32, Abdus Shukkur, 55, and Abdul Monaf, 60, were among those injured in the confrontation. The violence erupted when a group of around 40-45 ARSA militants breached the barbed wire fence bordering Camp 4, leading to fatal injuries and chaos.
Commander Mohammad Iqbal of the 14 Armed Police Battalion recounted the harrowing events, stating that Iliyas succumbed to his wounds on the scene after being shot and stabbed by the militants. As other Rohingyas rushed to aid their injured compatriot, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, causing injuries to several more individuals who required immediate medical attention at nearby hospitals.
Despite efforts to rescue the victims, two additional individuals tragically lost their lives while receiving medical treatment. Commander Iqbal emphasized the threat posed by ARSA militants seeking to reorganize and instigate unrest in the camps, highlighting the ongoing tensions and power struggles within the Rohingya community.
Inspector Shamim Hossen of Ukhiya Police Station confirmed that the deceased had been retrieved and sent for post-mortem examinations at the Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital Morgue. Legal actions are currently being pursued in response to the violent clash, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened security measures within the refugee camps.