Dil Mohammed, once a notorious smuggler and informant for the Myanmar military, has now become a dominant force within the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh. Operating with apparent impunity, he has shifted from illicit trade to orchestrating the recruitment of Rohingya youth into armed factions.

Under the pretense of unifying various Rohingya groups, Dil Mohammed has been making public appearances in the camps, notably at a large rally on December 25. This event saw groups previously labeled as criminal organizations by the Bangladesh government, such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), openly calling for support in their conflict against the Arakan Army (AA).

Behind these public displays, recruitment efforts have taken a coercive turn. In private meetings, the "Four Brothers Alliance," comprising ARSA, RSO, the Arakan Rohingya Alliance (ARA), and the Rohingya Islami Mahaz (RIM), is pressuring each Rohingya family to provide at least one male member for military training. Those who refuse face threats of losing their food rations.

The apparent lack of intervention by Bangladeshi authorities raises concerns about their role in this situation. Dil Mohammed's ability to operate openly suggests a level of complicity or negligence.

Read the full article on Dhaka Tribune.
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