Chief commander of the Arakan Rohingya Organization (ARO) was shot dead today after Maghrib prayer near the border of Camp 8W and Camp 7 in the Kutupalong refugee area, widely known as Tozzar Bridge.
The person killed, identified as Abdul Halim, was widely known in the camps and described by residents as the Chief Commander of ARO in Camp 7. The shooting took place near a bridge locally known as Tozzar Bridge.
Witnesses said Abdul Halim was traveling by motorcycle with two other individuals when an unidentified attacker approached and opened fire shortly after Maghrib prayers. He was struck by three gunshots during the attack.
Following the shooting, he was taken to the MSF hospital in Kutupalong for treatment. Medical staff later confirmed his death at around 8:00 PM.
The identities of the attacker and the motive behind the killing remain unknown. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The killing has raised serious concerns among camp residents. Many Rohingya refugees say they have been living in fear for years due to ongoing insecurity in the settlements. Incidents such as fires that have destroyed hundreds of homes, as well as killings of civilians including teachers and students, have been reported repeatedly.
Refugees say they continue to face threats to their safety, along with cases of violence, extortion, and physical abuse across the camps.
