Inqilab report on Chinese national arrests stirs uproar

• We had to carry out the operation on orders from above : police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity

An investigative report published in Daily Inqilab on the arrest of six Chinese nationals in Cox’s Bazar and the recovery of nearly two thousand iPhones along with a large quantity of electronic equipment has triggered extensive discussion and uproar within relevant administrative circles. Questions have particularly been raised about the context behind the operation targeting the Chinese nationals, the authority that ordered it, and their extensive presentation in the media before any allegations were proven.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a police officer told Inqilab that there was no local initiative by police to carry out the operation against the Chinese nationals; rather, the operation had to be conducted on instructions from higher authorities.

The officer said, “We carried out our duty according to instructions. Not all officers at the local level have the opportunity to know about the decision behind an operation or its broader context.” However, no responsible official of the relevant police administration agreed to comment officially on the matter.

Last Thursday night, a raid was carried out at a hotel in the Kolatoli area of Cox’s Bazar city, leading to the arrest of six Chinese nationals on charges of online financial fraud. Police said around two thousand iPhones and a large quantity of electronic equipment were seized during the operation. The six arrested individuals were later sent to jail through the court. Police sources said four more people have been named as absconding accused in the case.

Since the incident, questions have arisen over how actively law enforcement pursues similar allegations against nationals of other countries residing in Cox’s Bazar, and whether a consistent policy is being followed regarding foreign nationals.

The report published in Daily Inqilab highlighted the number of foreign nationals from various countries residing illegally in the country and allegations of their involvement in various crimes. According to intelligence sources, a large number of foreign nationals remain in the country even after their visas have expired, including nationals from India and other parts of South Asia, Africa, and elsewhere.

Relevant sources claim that foreign nationals of various countries have previously faced allegations and cases involving bank ATM fraud, credit card fraud, online casinos, gold smuggling, illegal VoIP business, counterfeit currency, and human trafficking. But questions have arisen among concerned circles over why, in this recent Cox’s Bazar operation, the focus fell so heavily and prominently on Chinese nationals alone.

According to analysts, there is no room for disagreement that any foreign national who breaks the law while residing in Bangladesh should face strict legal action. But the application of law must be neutral, consistent, and evidence-based. If a perception emerges that an operation is specifically targeting nationals of a particular country, it could also raise questions about the country’s international image.

According to concerned circles, Cox’s Bazar is an international tourist city, and nationals of various countries regularly reside and travel there in connection with the Rohingya crisis, various development projects, and the activities of international organizations. There is therefore a need for a balanced and consistent policy in law enforcement and surveillance regarding foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, the matter has raised further questions given the recent context of growing trade and investment cooperation between Bangladesh and China and ongoing discussions on various infrastructure and economic projects. In particular, some have expressed suspicion over the timing and context of this operation against Chinese nationals, occurring as discussions continue on the Bangladesh-Myanmar-China Economic Corridor and other potential regional economic cooperation. However, no responsible authority from the government or Home Ministry has so far offered an official explanation regarding these questions.

Representatives of concerned circles say whether the Chinese nationals are actually involved in any international fraud ring should be determined only through investigation and the judicial process.

In their view, indiscriminately rounding up Chinese nationals in this manner could spread fear among the many Chinese nationals working on various projects in Bangladesh — something that also needs attention. They warn that presenting Chinese nationals as criminals before allegations are proven risks conflicting with the basic principles of justice.

According to them, several important questions in this case require clear answers: where did the order for the operation come from; was it conducted based on intelligence information; how effective is law enforcement’s information database regarding other long-term foreign residents of Cox’s Bazar; and is a consistent policy being followed in enforcing the law against foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, following the operation, the arrested Chinese nationals have been sent to jail, and the case investigation is proceeding through the legal process, according to relevant sources. If the investigation proves the allegations true, action will be taken according to law; if not, the matter may be assessed differently.

According to concerned circles, it is essential to build a coordinated and effective system for verifying the identity, visa validity, and activities of all foreign nationals residing in Cox’s Bazar. At the same time, the administration must remain cautious to ensure no perception arises that nationals of any particular country are being singled out and targeted.

The arrest of the Chinese nationals is no longer confined to a single criminal case; it has also raised questions about the authority behind the operation, surveillance of foreign nationals, and equity and transparency in law enforcement. Given the ongoing discussion within administrative circles and the Inqilab report, concerned circles are now watching closely to see whether clear answers to these questions will emerge.