Tension in camps after arrest of ARSA chief

A sense of unease prevails in the Rohingya camps following the arrest of ARSA Commander-in-Chief Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi.

Many Rohingyas, especially those who have spoken out against the armed group, are worried about possible violence, while law enforcement agencies have intensified security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.

Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, John Quinley, director of Fortify Rights, said, "Bangladesh authorities must ensure Rohingyas who speak out against ARSA crimes are not targeted. They must make it clear that targeting dissent is unacceptable.

"Many Rohingyas are at risk and need protection. Bangladesh authorities must work with UNHCR to provide safety."

Police, however, said that they are not considering the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) as a security threat in the camps.

"The militant group [ARSA] has no such strength to carry out any large-scale criminal activities in the camps now or take revenge for the arrest of its chief," Mohammad Siraj Amin, additional deputy inspector general, also the commander of 14-Armed Police Battalion, told this newspaper.

He, however, said, "We are on alert to ensure security in the camps."

Sources at the camps said a group of ARSA members are campaigning on social media that its chief is innocent.

On different pages and in social media groups, they are making posts portraying ARSA chief Ataullah as the leader of freedom fighters of Rohingyas fighting for their homeland against the genocide and persecution of Rohingyas.

They also demand the immediate release of the ARSA chief and other members.

According to Rohingya leaders, ARSA had full control over the refugee camps since 2018.

However, the group faced criticism and lost the support of the refugees after its name was linked to the killing of Rohingya leader Muhib Ullah.

Mohib, the chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, who advocated repatriation, was shot dead on September 29, 2022.

The victim's brother Habib Ullah claimed that ARSA, locally known as Al-Yakin, was behind the assassination.

Although ARSA leader Ataullah denied the armed group's involvement in the killing, a former high-ranking ARSA commander, however, informed that ARSA leaders had discussed the assassination of Mohib, according to a report of the rights group Fortify Rights launched on Tuesday.

Rohingyas believe that ARSA killed Muhib to hinder Rohingya repatriation process.

The ARSA members are broadly accused of threatening the Rohingya youths, who are active and speak up for their rights and repatriation.

A Rohingya youth seeking anonymity said, "As he started speaking on different platforms, meetings, and rallies regarding the rights of Rohingyas and their repatriation, some people known as the members of Al-Yakin confined me."

"They asked me to join their group. But when they realised that I would not join ARSA, they started threatening me. I had to take shelter in a safe place for many days due to their threat."

Another Rohingya youth said after the arrest of ARSA chief Ataullah, the dominance of ARSA in the camps would diminish.

However, the Rohingya youth feared that some random attacks by ARSA could take place on their opponents or ordinary Rohingyas as the key associates of the ARSA chief, including Khalid, are still outside.

Solim Hossain, another Rohingya on request of not disclosing his whereabouts, said, "We are living in insecurity, fearing that the reprisal attacks by ARSA on its opponents or members of Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO)."

"A few days ago, a clash between the two armed groups left a mentally disabled youth killed in a crossfire," he added.

According to the rights body, Fortify Rights, ARSA had a stronghold, especially in camps 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20, till November last year. The number of Rohingyas killed was 22 in 2021, 42 in 2022, 90 in 2023, and at least 65 in 2024.

Last year, Rab conducted operations in the refugee camps and arrested 125 individuals, including top ARSA members. On March 16, ARSA chief Ataullah and nine others were arrested in Narayanganj and Mymensingh.

Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, additional superintendent of Cox's Bazar police, also the district police spokesperson, said that Ataullah and six other ARSA members will be questioned in cases filed in Cox's Bazar. "Senior officials are being consulted on the matter."