Teknaf, July 29 (V7N) - On Monday night, July 28, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested a suspected Rohingya criminal, Shofi, in a high-risk operation near the foothills west of Registered Rohingya Camp No. 26 in Nayapara, Hnila Union, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The arrest, which took place at approximately 11:00 p.m., led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and grenades.

The detainee, identified as Shofi (28), is the son of Dil Mohammed and a resident of C Block in Camp No. 26. RAB authorities stated that Shofi is a listed criminal with a history of serious offenses. He has 21 cases filed against him, including charges of murder, abduction, armed robbery, and extortion within and around the Rohingya camps.

Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Kamrul Hasan of RAB-15 disclosed these details during a press briefing held on Tuesday afternoon at the battalion’s Cox’s Bazar office. He stated that the operation was launched based on intelligence reports indicating that armed criminals were using parts of the camp and adjacent forest areas as hideouts.

During the raid, RAB recovered multiple firearms, including locally-made weapons, several rounds of live ammunition, and at least two hand grenades. The confiscated items have been sent for forensic analysis, and further investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended use of the explosives.

Authorities believe Shofi is affiliated with a network of organized Rohingya criminal groups operating in the region, many of whom are involved in narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

RAB emphasized that this arrest is part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle armed criminal syndicates and restore safety in and around the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. Law enforcement agencies have been on heightened alert in recent months due to increasing reports of violence, internal clashes, and organized crimes involving factions within the Rohingya population.

Officials confirmed that legal proceedings have begun, and further operations will continue in cooperation with other security agencies. The situation in the camps remains under close surveillance, with added emphasis on preventing the regrouping of armed elements.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while respecting the humanitarian context of the refugee situation.

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