At least 1,500 Rohingyas were detained in Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar during a special drive carried out by an army-led joint force to strengthen security ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

The operation began early Sunday and targeted areas outside the designated refugee camps where Rohingyas were reportedly living illegally after crossing camp boundaries. The drive was conducted in Balukhali and adjoining areas of Palongkhali union in Ukhiya upazila.

As the operation was continuing, the number of detainees may increase further, sources concerned said.

A senior official of the joint force said the drive was launched amid specific concerns that a section could attempt to misuse Rohingyas for political purposes ahead of the February 12 election.

He said although Rohingyas have been assigned to designated camps, many have violated regulations by settling outside camp areas, in some cases occupying land belonging to local residents. “This is not only a violation of the law but also poses a serious security risk to the local community,” the official said.

He added that law enforcement agencies remain on the highest level of alert to prevent any attempt to use the large number of undocumented Rohingyas in subversive activities, particularly during the election period.

The detained Rohingyas are being gathered at a designated location, where authorities are conducting thorough checks to determine why and with whose assistance they left the camps. Investigators are also examining whether any political group attempted to engage them ahead of the election.

After completion of the preliminary screening and verification process, arrangements will be made to send them back to the designated refugee camps through the local administration and relevant authorities, the official said.