Army Intensifies Surveillance in Rohingya Camps Ahead of Election

During a special press briefing at the Cox’s Bazar Cultural Center on Tuesday morning, February 10, officials announced that additional troops have been deployed and surveillance has been intensified, with a specific focus on mitigating security risks stemming from the Rohingya camps.

Lieutenant Colonel Tanveer Ahmed of the 10th Infantry Division, Ramu Cantonment, stated that a significantly higher number of army pers onnel have been deployed across South Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar compared to previous elections. Separate temporary camps have been established for each polling center, and a strategic "Deployment Plan" is being executed based on risk assessments. "We are treating every center with equal importance. Multiple rehearsals have been conducted to ensure the fastest response time to any untoward incident," he said.

Special measures have been implemented to prevent any instability within the Rohingya camps. This includes repairing damaged perimeter fencing, increasing checkpoints, and strengthening joint patrols by the Army and the Armed Police Battalion (APBn). Notably, at least 1,500 Rohingyas found outside the Ukhia camps in recent days have been detained and returned. The Army underscored that they are on high alert to ensure that the displaced population does not interfere with the electoral process in any way.

During the conference, Lieutenant Colonel Supta revealed that 46 special operations conducted between February 3 and 9 led to the arrest of 59 high-profile terrorists, dacoits, and drug traffickers. Seized items included 6 illegal firearms, 14 rounds of ammunition, 114 local sharp weapons, and a large cache of narcotics and sabotage equipment. Senior officials from RAB-15, BGB, and the Cox’s Bazar District Police were also present at the briefing.