One killed in clash, gunfire at Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar

The deceased was identified as Nur Kamal (25), son of Abul Kalam, a resident of the same camp. His body was sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for an autopsy on Saturday (January 10) afternoon.

According to law enforcement sources, the clash occurred at around 3:00am on Friday in I-Block of registered Rohingya Camp No. 26 in Nayapara of Hnila Union under Teknaf upazila.

The incident was confirmed by Mohammad Kausar Sikder, Additional Deputy Inspector General (ADIG) and commander of the 16th Armed Police Battalion (APBN).

He said there had been a long-standing dispute between Nur Kamal and the Khaleeq group over control and dominance in the camp. “Due to this dispute, a clash erupted at midnight, during which gunfire took place. Nur Kamal sustained bullet injuries as well as wounds from sharp weapons,” he said.

According to the APBN commander, local residents rescued the injured man and took him to a hospital inside the Rohingya camp, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. He added that Nur Kamal was known to law enforcement as a criminal and had allegedly been involved in various illegal activities in the camp and surrounding areas.

Kausar Sikder said the perpetrators fled the scene before APBN members arrived after receiving information about the incident. “Operations are underway to identify and arrest those involved in the killing,” he said.

He added that the body would be handed over to the family following the autopsy and that further legal action would be taken in connection with the incident.

Although the overall situation in the camp had remained relatively calm over the past few months, the sudden outbreak of violence has renewed fear among the Rohingya refugees. Many residents have called on the administration to take immediate steps to curb armed groups and ensure security.

Abul Kalam, a boatman living in the camp, said the sound of gunfire during the night created widespread panic. “We want to live in peace. We hope the authorities will come forward to stop criminal and terrorist activities in the camp,” he said.