Bangladesh authorities have arrested Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, the leader of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) operating in Rakhine State, along with nine other members on March 16. The suspects are being held in custody and investigated for illegal border crossing and criminal activities, according to Bangladeshi media reports. The arrested individuals include Mostak Ahmed, age 66, Salimullah, age 27, Asmatullah, age 24, Md Hasan, age 43, and Moniruzzaman, age 26.
According to Bangladeshi authorities, the suspects were holding secret meetings to plan serious criminal activities. ARSA has been accused of involvement in various crimes including murder, human trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. The group has notably been opposing the repatriation process of Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar. Following the assassination of Rohingya activist Mohib Ullah on September 29, 2022, ARSA’s activities have intensified. Mohib Ullah was known for supporting the repatriation of Rohingya people, and while his relatives have implicated ARSA in his murder, ARSA leader Ataullah has denied any involvement in the killing.
Additionally, ARSA’s military chief Ataullah was named as a suspect along with 65 others in connection with the killing of a Bangladesh army DGFI officer, Rizwan Rushdee, near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in November 2022. The recent arrests are part of increased security measures within refugee camps, according to Bangladeshi authorities. The investigation report states that the arrested individuals were conducting clandestine meetings to plan severe criminal activities, and ARSA has been actively working to obstruct the Rohingya repatriation process to Myanmar.
The arrests mark a significant development in the ongoing efforts to maintain security in the border region and refugee camps. Bangladeshi authorities have emphasized that these actions are necessary to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of both the refugee population and local communities. The investigation into the arrested individuals continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of their alleged criminal activities and connections to various violent incidents in the region.
