ARSA member shot dead by gunmen in Ukhiya Rohingya camp

A member of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in a Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya of Cox's Bazar.

The incident took place around 3:30am on Thursday (July 30).

The deceased was identified as Md Zubayer, 34, a resident of Block H/29 of Camp-8 West.

He was shot dead on his way from his house to a nearby mosque, according to the 14 Armed Police Battalion (APBn).

Confirming the incident, Additional DIG Mohammad Siraj Amin, commanding officer of the 14 APBn, said a group of unidentified armed assailants opened fire on Zubayer, leaving him critically injured. Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting.

Locals rushed him to the MSF Hospital in Camp-8 West, but he succumbed to his injuries before reaching the medical facility.

Police said the victim was the son of Rahmat Ullah and had been residing in Camp-8 West.

According to APBn, preliminary findings suggest the killing may have been linked to an ongoing internal rivalry involving ARSA and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO)-affiliated groups operating inside the camps. However, investigators have yet to determine the exact motive behind the attack.

Following the shooting, members of the Irani Hill Police Camp reached the scene, brought the situation under control and launched an investigation.

Law enforcement agencies said drives are underway to identify and arrest other members of the group, while legal proceedings have been initiated.