Seven RSO Members Attempt to Assassinate ARSA Member in Bangladesh Refugee Camp

News ၊ May 10, 2026

RSO members in Bangladesh (Photo crd)

Sources report an attempted assassination at the Hakimpara Muslim Refugee Camp (No. 14) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where seven members of the RSO militant group attacked an ARSA member at a tea shop on the night of May 7.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 PM while the ARSA member, identified as Showfique, was sitting in a tea shop. Seven RSO members armed with sticks and pistols entered the shop, surrounded him, and began a violent assault with the intent to kill.

According to witnesses, the attackers beat Showfique over the head with sticks. However, amidst the ensuing struggle and loud shouting from onlookers, the attackers fled the scene before they could fire their weapons.

Refugees in the camp pursued the fleeing attackers and successfully apprehended one RSO member, identified as Yousouf (son of Kobir Ahmmod) from Diyoltoli Village, Maungdaw Township. He was subsequently handed over to the local authorities.

This violent encounter follows a string of recent crackdowns and inter-group killings within the camps:

May 7: The Bangladesh Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-15) raided the Kutupalong Refugee Camp, arresting three commanders from the ARO (Arakan Rohingya Outreach) and one commander from the RSO who were hiding among civilians.

May 6: Nur Kamal, the brother of ARA (Arakan Rohingya Army) leader Nabi Hussain, was assassinated by gunfire in Kutupalong Camp.

May 5: Abdul Halim, leader of the ARO—a breakaway group previously led by commanders from ARSA, RSO, and ARA—was assassinated by rival militants in the same camp.

Muslim refugees report that various extremist groups, including ARSA, RSO, ARA, RIM, and the breakaway ARO, are operating under the guise of refugees. These groups are accused of committing a range of crimes, including extortion, robbery, kidnapping, murder, and drug trafficking.

With assassinations and violent clashes between these rival factions escalating, camp residents are living in a state of constant fear and insecurity. Refugees are urgently calling on Bangladeshi authorities to intensify efforts to arrest and take decisive action against these militants within the camp system.

Source@APM