Bangladesh bars Rohingyas from national polls citing heightened security concerns

The interim government of Bangladesh has issued comprehensive directives to law enforcement and camp officials to ensure that Rohingya refugees do not engage in the upcoming national parliamentary election, citing heightened security concerns in the region.

The Ministry of Home Affairs emphasised the need to prevent any participation of Rohingyas in political activities or election-related events as the country prepares for the February 12 polls.

Authorities have been instructed to enforce strict monitoring and to bar Rohingya refugees from political campaigns, meetings, or rallies.

Officials warn that any attempt to involve Rohingyas in election activities will be subject to immediate and serious action.

According to the official order, "Rohingyas will not be allowed to approach polling centers, and any attempt to involve them in election-related activities will be treated as a serious offence".

Law enforcement agencies have been directed to strengthen their presence in and around Rohingya camps, particularly focusing on controlling unauthorised movement before and on election day.

The Ministry of Home Affairs also highlighted the need for close coordination between local administrations, camp authorities, and security agencies to maintain law and order throughout the election period.

Officials also noted that some Rohingya camp residents have previously been included in voter lists, raising fears that they could cast ballots in the upcoming election.

Authorities have ordered strict monitoring of voter lists to ensure no Rohingya individuals are able to participate.

Meanwhile, recent reports from the Naf River area of Cox’s Bazar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts have revealed the emergence of a new and heavily armed Rohingya group, with organised training activities underway over the past six months.

Additional concerns have been raised regarding the presence of allied organisations operating alongside Rohingyas in these regions, with intelligence suggesting ongoing stockpiling of illegal weapons within the camps.

The country's foreign ministry stated in an official notice: "Rohingyas may use weapons surrounding the election. They must be suppressed."

This confirms the government's awareness of armed groups and illegal weapons already present in the camps.

The directive warns that vested interest groups might attempt to use armed elements from the camps for sabotage activities during the election, especially in Cox’s Bazar and other sensitive areas.

The government’s strategy is centred on containing these risks to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.

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