DHAKA: Tragic clashes erupted in Bangladesh relief camps, resulting in the deaths of six Rohingya refugees. The violence occurred just hours after a visit by an International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who was collecting testimonies in the settlements. The clashes occurred between two rival insurgent groups, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO).
Bangladesh currently hosts approximately one million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled a brutal military crackdown in neighboring Myanmar in 2017. The atrocities committed during the crackdown are now the subject of a genocide probe at the United Nations court.
According to Faruq Ahmed, a spokesman for the Armed Police Battalion responsible for security in the refugee camps, five individuals were fatally shot in a gunfight that took place before dawn on Friday. “All five who were killed in the gunfight are members of ARSA, including a commander,” Ahmed confirmed. Following the incident, security measures have been intensified within the camps.
Ahmed also revealed that the outbreak of violence occurred shortly after the murder of Ebadullah, a community leader among the refugees, reportedly at the hands of ARSA members.
Rivalries Within Rohingya Community
These clashes highlight the ongoing tensions and rivalries within the Rohingya community residing in the camps. While they all share a history of persecution and displacement, the presence of multiple insurgent groups adds another layer of complexity and insecurity to their plight.
The visit by the ICC prosecutor to gather testimonies from Rohingya refugees underscores the international community’s efforts to pursue justice for the crimes committed against the Rohingya population. However, it also serves as a reminder of the challenging environment and volatile situation in the camps, where violence can erupt unpredictably.
