01/06/2026
Alleged Extortion and Armed Activities Against Poor Fishermen Reported Near Coxโs Bazar Border Area
Poor fishermen living around the canal area between the Ukhiya Rohingya refugee camps, Unchiprang, and northern Maungdaw Village Shel khali in Arakan are reportedly facing serious difficulties due to alleged extortion and armed intimidation by criminal RSO members.
According to local sources, both Rohingya and Bengali poor families depend on fishing in the canal to support their households. However, residents claim that criminal RSO members are demanding daily taxes and extortion money from the fishermen.
Locals said that whenever poor fishermen fail to pay the demanded money, armed RSO members allegedly seize their boats and fishing nets by force. Some Bengali residents reportedly told RFR Media that Border Guard personnel (BGP) were present in the area but no effective action was taken against the criminal group.
Sources further claimed that WY Yaba smuggling, forced confiscation of fishing equipment, and armed firing incidents have increased in the area. Residents accused armed RSO members of spreading fear and insecurity around the canal while border security appears weak.
An intelligence source linked to a Bangladeshi law enforcement agency reportedly stated that these activities could possibly be part of a larger plan by the Buddhist Rakhine rebel group AA to destabilize the border region and weaken border security in Bangladesh.
Local people have urged the Bangladesh government to strengthen security along the border areas, saying that after increased militant activities in Chittagong and Bandarbanโs Naikhongchhari region, new armed groups carrying heavy weapons are now reportedly being seen near the BangladeshโArakan border areas.
Residents warned that if immediate action is not taken, the lives and safety of poor civilians in the border region may face even greater danger.
