Kaladan News
 

Date: Wednesday, July 14, 2004


A Refugee Arrested and Detained in Ukhiya Police Station


Cox’s Bazar, July 14:  A refugee was arrested from Kutupalong refugee camp by police and detained in Ukhiya police station under Cox’s Bazar District today accusing him as a terrorist, said a refugee from Kutupalong refugee camp.


The victim was Boshir Ahmed, 70, of Shed No. 64, Hill No.2, and Book No.16547 of Kutupalong refugee camp under Cox’s Bazar District and also led the food strike in refugee camp on June 9,2004, he further added.


Police arrested Boshir Ahmed from Kutupalong refugee camp at about 14:30 today while he was going to the office of Camp-in-Charge. Afterwards, he was taken away nearby Ukhiya police station. He is likely to be sent to Cox’s Bazar jail tonight or to morrow, another refugee said.


The victim is one of the 49 refugees against who Camp authority Mr. Abu Huraira framed false and fabricated cases while they led the food strike in Kutupalong refugee camp from June 9 to 30, 2004, he further added.


On June 09, 2004, Burmese Rohingya (Arakanese) refugees called an indefinite food strike at Kutupalong refugee camp. However, they called off 21 days long food strikes on June 30, 2004, after they have received positive assurance from both UNHCR and the Govt. of Bangladesh.


On 30th June 2004, UNHCR Country Representative Mr. Christopher Lee, had categorically assured the refugee leaders of all their rights as in the followings.


1. No action would be taken against refugees for their altercations or arguments in the camp during standoff, from 6-30 June 2004; all the cases filed against the refugees would be withdrawn; and no future harassment would be made against them.


2.As agreed upon by the Bangladesh Government, the refugees would be allowed to work out-side the camps and to educate their children in local schools, collages and universities, which would be implemented after 15 days from the time of their withdrawal of strike.


3. The “Majees”, who are collaborators and nominated by the camp-in-charge, will be removed and a Refugee Committee will be allowed to be formed by refugees themselves, he further added.


These would be implemented after 15 days from the time of their withdrawal of strike. But, before the end of 15 days, the Bangladesh authorities don’t keep up their promises and started to arrest the refugee as their systematic designed plans and programs, one of the refugees leader said.


According to the refugees of Kutupalong, tonight, it is possible to attack the Kutupalong refugee camp to arrest the refugee leaders who led the food strike as the camp authorities are reinforcing policemen and Majees from other camp. ##    


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