Dozens of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh gathered on Wednesday to pray for the early release of Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the leader of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), who was arrested earlier this week near Dhaka. Jununi faces charges of murder, illegal entry, and involvement in militant activities.
Ataullah is recognized for leading ARSA’s campaign against Myanmar’s security forces in 2016, aimed at reclaiming rights for Rohingya Muslims, who say they endure severe persecution. The ensuing violence prompted over 750,000 Rohingya to flee Myanmar for Bangladesh in 2017.
While some refugees expressed support for Ataullah, citing ARSA’s role in highlighting their plight, others in the camps welcomed his arrest, hoping it would improve law and order in areas plagued by factional violence, kidnappings, and killings. ARSA’s presence in the camps has also been linked to clashes between rival factions, resulting in numerous deaths.
Bangladeshi police allege ARSA activities extend beyond insurgency, contributing to criminal operations within refugee settlements. Officials in Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s largest refugee camp, stress the need for better law enforcement to combat such issues.
Bangladesh, burdened by hosting over a million Rohingya refugees, continues to push for repatriation to Myanmar. However, Myanmar’s government denies the Rohingya citizenship, leaving little prospect for their return. Efforts to stabilize the situation remain ongoing.