22 Rohingya detained in Chattogram’s Satkania

“Our primary concern is the election, and steps will be taken to ensure the Rohingya cannot create any problems,” UNO says

As many as 22 members of Myanmar's forcibly displaced Rohingya community have been detained in two separate operations in Chattogram’s Satkania Upazila.

They were detained in joint operations in Sadaha and Keochia unions by the Upazila administration, the Army, and Ansar on Friday night.

Among the detainees, 10 people were apprehended from Sadaha Union and 12 from Keochia. They had arrived in Satkania 15 days ago and taken up work at brick kilns.

Satkania Upazila administrator (UNO) Khondoker Mahmudul Hasan told bdnews24.com, “Our team conducted an operation in Sadaha and detained 10 individuals last night. They are construction workers.

“In the operation in Keochia, 12 individuals were apprehended. They work at brick kilns. They will be handed over to Ukhiya Police via Satkania Police. The detainees said they had come to Satkania from the Ukhiya camps 15 days ago.”

He said an additional eight Rohingya were detained in the Satkania municipal area on Nov 15.

“These people come to Satkania as seasonal workers and take jobs in several locations. We have intelligence information indicating that Rohingya people are becoming involved in criminal activities after coming here.

“The election is approaching. We have intelligence that there could be problems if the Rohingya are not controlled.”

Noting that Rohingya individuals are working as labourers in several brick kilns in the Upazila, the UNO said: “We will sit with the brick kiln owners very soon. Our primary concern is the election. Therefore, it will be ensured that the Rohingya cannot create any problems.”

Army personnel participated in the operation in Keochia on Friday night, while Ansar members took part in the operation in Sadaha.