Ukhiya range forest officer Monirul Islam told the Dhaka Trbune that hundreds of Rohingya refugees had taken shelter in a number of registered and unregistered camps in Kutupalong area of Cox’s Bazar following the recent crackdown by Myanmar in its Rakhine state.
Some of the refugees, however, had been trying to extend their establishments in the deep forests of the adjacent area, Monirul said.
"Those forest lands were conserved under the Department of Forestry. So, we went there to evict those installations. Some 80 Rohigya huts were demolished during the drive," Monirul said.
"When we were on our way back after conducting the drive, some 200 Rohingyas, provoked by the local public representative of Palankhali union, started hurling brickbats at us. In retaliation, forest officials fired a round of bullets for self-defence," he added.
Ukhiya police station Officer-in-Charge Md Abul Khayer confirmed the attack on Friday and said a case had been filed in this connection without naming anyone.
"Police will take necessary actions after proper investigation," said Abul Khayer.
Palankhali union Parishad member Mohammad Absar denied the claim of his involvement in the attack.
“The area where Rohingya camps are established is not in my jurisdiction. So, my involvement in this attack is out of question,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
