4 Rohingyas held by Arakan Army during alleged attempt to smuggle drugs
Four Rohingya men have been detained by the Arakan Army while allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs by crossing the Naf River from Myanmar to Teknaf in Cox's Bazar.
The incident occurred at Laldia, near Damdamia in the Hnila Union of Teknaf this morning (1 May).
The four detainees have been identified Arafat Ullah, Anis Ullah, Md Jaber, and Anwar Sadek, all of whom are residents of Block-27 of the Jadimura Rohingya refugee camp in Teknaf.
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Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, however, said, "We're hearing from different sources that four Rohingyas were taken from the Naf River while fishing. The matter has been reported to the BGB. We are investigating whether they went fishing or had other motives."
No statement has yet been received from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) regarding the incident.
Mohammad Noor, a community leader (majhi) from the Jadimura Rohingya camp in Teknaf, claimed the four were taken at gunpoint by members of the Arakan Army along with their boat while fishing in the Naf River. Several other fishermen managed to flee.
Mohammad Ali, acting chairman of Hnila Union, stated that the Arakan Army has, from time to time, captured Bangladeshi fishermen from the Naf River. However, the four individuals in question were not fishermen.
"These Rohingyas frequently travel to Myanmar to bring in drugs. They were taken while attempting to smuggle drugs and are now making false claims strategically," he said.
He further said, "Rohingyas aren't allowed to leave the camps — why would they go fishing?"
