Top ARSA leader among 5 held in Cox’s Bazar

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested five members of the insurgent group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) including its top commander from a Rohingya camp in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar.

Among the arrestees, ARSA top commander Shahidul Islam alias Moulovi Oli Akij is one of the masterminds in the murder of Rohingya leader Master Mohammad Mohib Ullah.

Akij was also an accused in the sensational seven murders in the camp and was named in over 21 cases on various charges including murder, abduction, and weapons charges.

Captain Lt Col HM Sajjad Hossain provided the information during a press briefing held at the RAB-15 Cox’s Bazar office on Monday (June 10) noon.

He said acting on a tip-off, a team of RAB raided at camp No.4 Sunday night.

Sensing the presence of the elite force, the ARSA militants opened fire which triggered the RAB personnel fired back in self-defence. Later they arrested the five people, including ARSA top leader Akij.

Several arms, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from their possession.