ARSA introduces its own currency in the Rohingya camps

The militant group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) has introduced its own currency in a Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. They have also started campaigning for the currency in their group through social media. Initially, the currency was introduced in a few camps. ARSA plans to introduce the currency in every refugee camp soon.

Military analyst Major (retd) Emdadul Islam considers the introduction of new currency in the Rohingya refugee camp a threat to Bangladesh. He said that usually, a country launches its own currency after it is established. Why did a militant organization introduce currency? The matter is questionable. The issue should be taken seriously by the Government of Bangladesh.

Chittagong Range DIG Anwar Hossain said, "We are not aware of the introduction of ARSA currency in the refugee camps." Necessary steps will be taken after investigating the matter.

Multiple sources in the Rohingya refugee camp said ARSA members had started campaigning for the new currency on social media a few months ago. In some camps, the exchange of new currencies has already begun. In the next few months, the exchange of new currency will start in full swing in the camps under the control of ARSA. Initially, ARSA released new notes of TK1,000, TK 500, and TK 100.

The investigation revealed that several militant groups were active in the Rohingya refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. But ARSA is roaming around the most. Of the 32 Rohingya refugee camps, 27 are dominated by ARSA. Abu Ammar Jununi is also known as Ataullah, is a Pakistani national who grew up in Saudi Arabia is currently leading a section of ARSA.

ARSA, led by Ataullah, is operating in the refugee camps divided into five classes. These categories are ‘Ulama Council’, ‘Ulama Board’, ‘Majlis e Am’ and ‘Arkan Armot’. To increase their power in the refugee camps, they have been involved in various misdeeds including drug and human trafficking, arms trade, extortion. Now they have introduced their own currency to further consolidate their position in the camps.