Reports from Camp 3 in the Rohingya refugee settlement reveal that members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) are illegally checking mobile phones without wearing uniforms and extorting money from residents.
In a recent incident, an APBN officer stopped a refugee and searched his phone. Upon finding a picture of the man’s wife, the officer used it as an excuse to demand money. The refugee was forced to pay 2,000 BDT on the spot. The extortion took place in public, witnessed by others in the camp.
This is not an isolated case. Many refugees claim that APBN personnel in plain clothes frequently stop individuals, check their phones, and use personal photos or messages as a reason to demand bribes. Those who refuse to comply risk having their devices confiscated or facing further harassment.
Residents of the camps are voicing concerns over these illegal actions, calling for accountability and protection from such abuses. Human rights groups have condemned these activities, urging authorities to investigate and take necessary action against those responsible.
The Rohingya community remains vulnerable to such exploitation, as many fear retaliation if they report these incidents. There is growing demand for stricter oversight of security forces operating in the camps to prevent further abuses.
