Police in Teknaf have targeted Rohingyas to extort money by accusing them of flouting immigration rules, though those arrested have lived for years in Bangladesh, said a shop owner in Shapuri Dip on condition of anonymity.

In the latest incident, police personnel led by Sub Inspector Batan from Teknaf police station arrested Seraz Maji (40) a Rohingya, charging him with being a Burmese citizen and residing illegally in Bangladesh, though he and his family have lived in Shapuri Dip for many years.

After the arrest, police demanded 20,000 Taka for his release. A friend of the detained man said he was eventually released after paying 10,000 Taka.

A police officer involved in the arrest told local villagers that authorities had a list of names of suspected Burmese nationals, two of whom had already been arrested, and the rest would ultimately face detention.

Meanwhile, five Rohingya youths were arrested in Cox’s Bazaar, while working as rickshaw drivers and sent to Cox’s Bazaar jail, said another rickshaw driver.

A refugee leader said the Rohingya community is facing harassment on two fronts.

“Rohingya people suffer on both sides of the border because they are arrested in Burma by Nasaka, and in Bangladesh by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and the police for simply being members of the Rohingya community, though some are released if they can pay,” said a refugee leader from Maungdaw.

“In short, Rohingyas are caught between a crocodile and a snake.”