On February 8, 2026, Bangladesh’s joint forces, led by the Army, made over 600 Rohingya detentions outside the designated camps for Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Palongkhali Union, Ukhiya Upazila, Cox’s Bazar camps. This operation was conducted to prevent potential unrest during the forthcoming national elections.
Nur Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Ukhiya police station, stated that the Rohingyas were residing under the shelter of local Bangladeshis. Authorities have urged these individuals to return to the camps to mitigate risks of criminal activities during the elections.
Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, a top official of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, noted that approximately 1,000 Rohingyas had taken shelter in Palongkhali, often building makeshift homes on forest land. Despite efforts to register the refugees through the UNHCR, many remain outside formal systems.
Since August 2017, following a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Bangladesh has hosted approximately 1.3 million Rohingyas. The influx continues, with daily arrivals adding strain to resources. As the nation braces for elections, the government is keen to maintain order and security.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 9th, 2026
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