Two army camps will be established in the hilly areas adjacent to the Rohingya camps to prevent abductions and other crimes, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

He said the two camps would be set up under the 10 Infantry Division in the Noakhalipara and Rangikhali hilly areas near the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. Abductions frequently occur in these areas, and authorities believe the presence of army camps will help curb such crimes.

The home minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a coordination meeting of the National Committee on Rohingya Camp Affairs on Thursday (October 8).

He said joint operations are being conducted inside and outside the Rohingya camps to combat crimes including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking. A deputy inspector general of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) leads the operations, while other law enforcement agencies are also working in coordination.

He said that in the event of a war or an emergency situation along the border, operations would be conducted under the leadership of the army and a brigadier general. A standard operating procedure (SOP) has already been formulated in this regard.

Regarding law and order in the Rohingya camps, the home minister said drug trafficking, online gambling, human trafficking and the activities of various armed groups are among the major problems. Ordinary crimes are also committed in the camps.

He said APBn, alongside regular police, is working to control these crimes. Recently, investigative powers were incorporated into the legal framework of APBn. Around 400 officers at the sub-inspector level are serving in the force. With investigative powers, they will be able to play a more effective role in investigating crimes in the camps.

The home minister also said damaged fencing and barbed-wire barriers outside the Rohingya camps would be rebuilt. Solar-powered lighting would be installed, while circuit cameras, control towers and watchtowers would be set up at intervals.

Regarding Rohingya repatriation, he said the issue is being handled by a separate high-level committee. They believe repatriation can be achieved with support from the international community and under the leadership of the United Nations.

“We are making efforts to resolve the problem. However, a lot of time has already passed, and the problem has become much more complicated. We hope to be free from this problem very soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the home minister said he was not aware of any proposal to establish a separate prison for Rohingyas.

Earlier, a meeting of the National Committee was held on the management of the Rohingya camps and the law and order situation. Representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, disaster management and social welfare, along with officials from relevant ministries and agencies, law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces Division, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard and the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), attended the meeting.

After the meeting, a discussion was also held with relevant officials regarding Jungle Salimpur. The home minister said coordinated efforts are underway to bring government land and hills in the area under good governance.

A decision has been taken to establish a police academy in the area modeled on the academy in Sarda. Land is being identified for the project. At the same time, 72 acres of land have been acquired for relocating Chattogram Central Jail, which will be moved to a site beside the Bayezid Link Road.

The government will also take decisions regarding the rehabilitation of illegal settlers in the area and the operation of educational institutions and other facilities located there, the home minister said.

He said Jungle Salimpur was once a haven for criminals. The area will now be brought under good governance and discipline. Land has been secured to ensure the presence of BGB, RAB and APBn alongside the police. The relevant forces will establish their facilities there to ensure law and order and good governance in the area.