EC takes hard line on Rohingya issue ahead of election

The Election Commission has decided to enforce unprecedented security measures in Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for February 12.

The decision comes amid intelligence concerns that vested groups may attempt to use Rohingyas for sabotage, fake voting or as muscle power. As a result, the camps have effectively been ordered to remain under lockdown.

The information was disclosed in a letter signed by EC senior assistant secretary Md Shahidul Islam on Thursday.

The commission said the presence of armed groups such as ARSA, RSO and the Arakan Army, along with illegal weapons in the Ukhiya and Teknaf camps, could disrupt the election environment. The EC also expressed concern over provocative messages being spread through social media groups such as RCPR and Ro-FDMN RC, which may create panic in border areas.

Four specific risks have been identified: illegal use of Rohingyas in election campaigns, fake voting in exchange for money, creating disorder at polling centres, and destabilisation of border areas through armed groups.

To address these risks, several strict measures have been jointly decided by the EC and local administration. Rohingyas will not be allowed to leave the camps before or on polling day. Movement of all vehicles, including CNGs, autos and motorcycles, inside the camps will remain suspended.

Major markets such as Balukhali, Leda and Nayapara will be temporarily closed to avoid gatherings, while NGO staff movement will be restricted. Checkposts will enforce 100 percent identity verification and searches. All meetings inside camps will be banned, social media platforms will remain under close monitoring, and joint forces will conduct special drives to recover illegal arms.

Adequate executive magistrates and mobile courts will be deployed inside camps to ensure swift justice.

More than one million Rohingyas have been living in Bangladesh since 2017. The commission said it has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to ensure no one can influence the February 12 public mandate using them.