Rohingya camp shooting leaves one dead

A clash and shooting between two groups over dominance in a Rohingya camp has left one person dead in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The deceased Rohingya has been identified as Nur Kamal, 25.

The incident occurred in I-Block of the Noapara 26 registered Rohingya camp around 3:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, in Hnila Union, Teknaf Upazila.

The body of the deceased was brought to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy on Saturday afternoon. Nur Kamal was the son of Abul Kalam, a resident of the same camp.

Confirming the incident, Mohammad Kawsar Sikder (ADIG), commander of the 16th Armed Police Battalion (APBN), stated that Nur Kamal’s group and the Khalek group had long-standing disputes over control. This rivalry led to the midnight clash and exchange of gunfire.

He added that during the conflict, Nur Kamal sustained serious injuries from gunshots and sharp weapons. Locals rescued him and took him to a camp hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

The APBN commander further stated that the deceased, Nur Kamal, was a known militant. He had formed an armed group in his name and was involved in various criminal activities within the Rohingya camp and surrounding areas.

The perpetrators had already fled. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved although an APBN team reached the scene after receiving news of the incident, . The body will be handed over to the family after autopsy, and further legal action will be taken.

Abul Kalam, a boatman in the camp, said that the sudden gunfire at night spread panic throughout the block. We want to live in peace. The administration must take effective steps to stop such criminal activities.