Rohingya leader hacked to death in Balukhali

A Rohingya leader was hacked to death at Balukhali refugee camp by his alleged “opponent group” on Monday night.

Deceased Md Arifullah, 36, was a BA honours graduate from University of Yangon.

Ukhia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Nikaruzzaman told this correspondent that Arifullah was skilled in English language. He used to describe the misery of the Rohingya community to different ministers, presidents and foreign officials who came to visit them in the camps, he said.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Ukhia Circle) Chailau Marma said on information, a police team recovered his body yesterday morning. There were a number of deep wounds in different parts of his body.

Earlier on October 19, an opponent group of Rohingyas had attacked Arifullah. Though he escaped that time, his younger brother Muhibullah sustained knife injuries.

Police suspect that Arifullah was killed due to an internal feud.

Meanwhile, a clash broke out between two groups of Rohingyas hours after Arifullah's death, in which at least 12 people were hurt. Teknaf Police Station's Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ranjit Kumar Barua said the incident took place at the Noyapara Rohingya camp in Teknaf's Hnila union.

The altercation began over asserting dominance in the camp, and people attacked each other with rods and machetes, Ranjit said. Locals rushed the injured to the Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, six of who were later sent to Cox's Bazar District Hospital.

Action will be taken against the perpetrators after investigation, the OC said.