I. Killings, Abductions, Torture, and Threats by Rohingya Militant Groups in Bangladesh’s Refugee Camps 32 “I suddenly heard the sound of a gunshot. I immediately turned around and saw [Abdul Rahim] lying down, and I rushed to the place where he was.”103 The witness told Fortify Rights that the men who attacked Abdul Rahim were wearing longyis—a traditional Myanmar garment worn around the waist that extends to the feet—and had their faces covered with black scarves. Some had handheld firearms.104 “The bullet struck the right side of his jaw, near his ear,” the witness told Fortify Rights.105 Photographs of Abdul Rahim taken after the shooting show him bleeding from his jaw and being carried away.106 The witness rushed Abdul Rahim to the hospital for treatment of the wound. 107According to a close associate of Abdul Rahim, he was first brought to a hospital in Kutupalong and later transferred to Cox’s Bazar and then to Chattogram for treatment. The associate of Abdul Rahim said: “First, [on February 16, 2023], he was taken to the government hospital. There, they didn’t provide an X-ray. They just put stitches on his face. In the private hospital, they found [the bullet] after one day [on February 18, 2023].”108 The associate later went with Abdul Rahim to Chattogram, saying, “He was referred to Chittagong [officially known as Chattogram] for better treatment. His situation was severe.” 109 More than a week after the shooting, Abdul Rahim died from the gunshot injury.110 Abdul Rahim is remembered for his leadership and assistance to Rohingya refugees in need.111 This incident was not the first time militants attacked or threatened Abdul Rahim. Members of ARSA abducted and beat Abdul Rahim multiple times prior to his killing, according to his associate.112 Although he informed the Bangladesh authorities of these attacks, Fortify Rights is unaware of any actions taken by the authorities to protect Abdul Rahim or to investigate his killing. The associate of Abdul Rahim told Fortify Rights that in 2022, ARSA members tried to persuade Abdul Rahim to give up his majhi position, and when he refused, ARSA took action against him: [Abdul Rahim] was threatened very badly and taken several times, and he was beaten badly. It happened multiple times. He was taken by the gangs and beaten for being a majhi. They asked him to resign from working as a majhi, and he didn’t do that. So, he was taken and beaten. [ARSA] wanted to stop his work and wanted someone else to be a majhi who would listen to them and follow their directions. They called [him] several times to join [the militant group], and he refused to go. These threats started two years back. It mostly increased since 2022.113 the community people, he helped them to sort it out, and he had some major responsibilities. Like if people needed documentation from CiC and authorities, [Abdul Rahim] used to do that for the people. If someone had issues getting food or had issues with their smart card, he used to help them with that. If there was an announcement for people to collect gas for cooking, he used to ensure that people received all these services. After he came to Bangladesh, he started this work when he was living in the camp. Almost five and a half years back.” 103 Fortify Rights interview with C.F., Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, February 22, 2023. 104 Ibid. 105 Ibid. 106 Photographs on file with Fortify Rights, February 2023. 107 Fortify Rights interview with C.F., Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, February 22, 2023. 108 Fortify Rights interview with D.H., Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh, March 22, 2023. 109 Ibid. 110 Ibid. 111 Following Abdul Rahim’s murder, San Thai Shin, a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh, wrote in an op-ed that Abdul Rahim’s “contribution to the Rohingya community is immeasurable and inexpressible. He devoted his life to serving the Rohingya community. It is not just a mere incident, to kill such a great contributor to the Rohingya. His absence is a tragic loss for the Rohingya community.” See, San Thai Shin “Where is Our Protection?” Dhaka Tribune, February 22, 2023, https://www.dhakatribune.com/op-ed/2023/02/22/where-is-our-protection. 112 Fortify Rights interview with D.H., Bangladesh, March 22, 2023. 113 Ibid.