A local BNP leader has been seriously injured in an attack linked to a longstanding dispute over control of a market inside a Rohingya refugee camp in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. Police have arrested six people in connection with the incident.

Nurul Amin, member-secretary of the Palongkhali Union unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a former union parishad member, was allegedly beaten by members of a rival group at around 7.30pm on Sunday (8 November). The incident took place in the Thaingkhali area of Rohingya Camp 19.

According to local sources, tensions had been mounting for several months over control of shops and commercial activities at a market inside the camp. The dispute reportedly centred on the closure of an access road and attempts to take control of hundreds of shops. The situation created resentment among sections of the local community and Rohingya residents, further deepening divisions between groups associated with Alomgir Market and Zainal Market.

Local sources alleged that a BNP faction led by Nurul Amin and Zainal had taken control of the shops, prompting opposition from rival groups. The disagreement gradually escalated, with both sides becoming increasingly hostile.

Sources said Nurul Amin and several associates visited Alomgir Market on Sunday evening, where they became involved in an argument with a Rohingya man. The confrontation reportedly turned violent, leaving the man injured and bleeding.

News of the incident quickly spread, increasing tensions in the area. Shortly afterwards, Nurul Amin was attacked. He was allegedly subjected to repeated kicks and punches. Several local residents and some Rohingya individuals were also said to have taken part in the ensuing violence, according to local accounts.

Nurul Amin sustained two deep wounds to his head and an injury to his lip. He suffered substantial blood loss, leaving his condition critical. He was initially taken to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital before being transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Dr Sabuktagin Mahmud Sohel, resident medical officer (RMO) at Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital, confirmed the extent of his injuries. He said Nurul Amin had two deep wounds to his head and another injury to his lip. Given the significant blood loss and the seriousness of his condition, doctors referred him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Advocate Rezaul Karim Reza, convener of the Palongkhali Union BNP, said Nurul Amin was in a critical condition. He added that O-negative blood had been urgently required because of the extensive blood loss.

Political allegations have also emerged following the attack. Sarwar Jahan Chowdhury, president of the Ukhiya Upazila BNP, alleged that the attack was carried out under the leadership of Alomgir and Sarwar, whom he identified as activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations. He demanded action against those involved.

Nurul Amin’s brother, Nurul Absar Munna, alleged that financial motives lay behind the attack. According to him, his brother had around Tk 2 million in his possession, collected from the market. He claimed that the attackers had targeted Nurul Amin to seize the money. He also alleged that a meeting had previously been held to plan his brother’s killing. These claims have not been independently verified.

The attack triggered protests by BNP leaders and activists, along with members of the party’s affiliated organisations. They blocked the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway at several locations, including Palongkhali Station, Thaingkhali and Ukhiya Sadar. At least four locations were reportedly affected.

Protesters set tyres alight on the road, bringing traffic to a halt for several hours during the night. The disruption affected an important transport route, leaving commuters and other road users facing delays.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, Mohammad Atiqur Rahman, said two markets, Alomgir Market and Zainal Market, operate inside Rohingya Camp 19. According to him, disputes over control of the two markets have continued for a long time. The rivalry has already resulted in two separate cases involving the opposing sides.

The OC said Nurul Amin went to Alomgir Market on Sunday evening and became involved in an argument with another person. The confrontation subsequently escalated, with people associated with Alomgir allegedly assaulting him.

Police have arrested six people in connection with the attack, Atiqur Rahman confirmed. He rejected allegations of negligence by law enforcement, saying the fact that the incident took place inside a Rohingya refugee camp had not prevented police from carrying out their duties.

He added that all those involved in the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

The incident has brought renewed attention to disputes over commercial control inside Rohingya refugee camps. The longstanding rivalry between the groups, previous legal cases and the latest outbreak of violence have raised concerns about security and the enforcement of law within the camps.