RAB arrests 2 with firearms from Arsa 'hideout' in Ukhiya

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained two militants and seized a large number of arms, grenades and rocket shells from a "hideout" of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) adjacent to the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar.

The detainees are - Md Shahnur Prakash alias Master Salim, 38, one of Arsa's chief coordinators and commanders and one of his associates Md Riaz, 27, confirmed Commander Mohammad Arafat Islam, RAB legal and media wing director, to the press today (15 May).

"Based on a tip-off, RAB conducted a raid on Arsa's hideout in Lal Pahar area adjacent to the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya around 5am. Two Arsa militants were arrested with weapons, grenades and rocket shells," he said,

RAB recovered five rocket shells, three rifles, 10 locally made hand grenades, 13 cocktails, one foreign revolver, nine rounds of pistol ammunition, one LG and three 12-bore cartridges.

Arafat said that based on the preliminary investigation it was found that Master Salim entered Bangladesh in 2017 and started living in Camp No 15 of Ukhiya. After arriving as a Rohingya refugee in 2017 he rejoined Arsa through Maulvi Akiz.

Salim became involved in various crimes including murders, kidnappings, extortions and conflicts regarding spreading dominance. There are multiple cases against him for various crimes including 3 murder cases.

"Under his leadership, Arsa is conducting various criminal activities including killing and trying to conduct sabotage activities in Rohingya camps by collecting weapons and ammunition from neighbouring countries," he added.

He said that 64 people were brutally killed in 2023 and 16 in 2024 by militant groups due to various reasons including establishing dominance of Rohingya camps.

Commander Md Arafat Islam said the process of handing over the detainees to Ukhiya police station after filing a case is ongoing