Bangladesh has decided to establish two army camps in the hilly areas adjoining Rohingya refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar as part of a wider effort to curb kidnapping, extortion and other crimes in the area.

The camps will operate under the 10th Infantry Division based at Ramu Cantonment, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said after a meeting of the national committee on the management, coordination and law and order situation concerning forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals on Thursday.

According to the minister, kidnappings have become a recurring problem in the hills around the camps, with victims allegedly being taken to remote areas and held for ransom. Authorities believe a permanent army presence in key locations could help prevent such crimes and improve security.

The government had previously discussed establishing army camps in two areas, including Rongikhali, during a meeting on drug-related issues in Cox’s Bazar. The latest decision was taken after consultations with the relevant agencies.

Alongside the new army camps, the government has approved a series of security upgrades around the Rohingya settlements. These include rebuilding damaged sections of barbed-wire fencing, installing solar-powered lights, expanding CCTV coverage and constructing watchtowers.

The camps continue to face a range of security challenges, including drug trafficking, online gambling, human trafficking, arms-related crimes and activities by armed groups. Authorities said regular joint operations are being conducted to tackle these problems.

The government is also strengthening the investigative capacity of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), which is responsible for security inside the camps. The minister said around 400 sub-inspector-level APBn officers have been given investigative powers to handle cases linked to crimes in the settlements.

Joint operations involving the APBn, police and other law-enforcement agencies will continue. The government has also prepared a standard operating procedure for situations requiring military involvement, particularly during border emergencies or other exceptional circumstances.

Salahuddin said the decision to establish the two army camps is part of a broader effort to bring the security situation in and around the Rohingya settlements under tighter control.

The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar, saying Bangladesh believes repatriation remains possible with international support and under the leadership of the United Nations.