International rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said on Thursday that Bangladesh authorities were taking inadequate measures to protect Rohingyas in camps from surging violence by armed groups and criminal gangs.

The authorities should assist the Rohingyas by establishing accessible systems to report crimes and promptly investigate complaints, the rights organisation urged.

HRW made the demand in a release posted on its website just a day after visiting the camps in Cox’s Bazar by the United States under secretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights Uzra Zeya and US assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu.

Human Rights Watch documented 26 cases of violence against Rohingyas, including murder, kidnapping, torture, rape and sexual assault, and forced marriage, drawing on interviews with 45 Rohingyas between January and April 2023 and supporting evidence including police and medical reports.

The victims reported that they faced layers of barriers to police, legal, and medical assistance while the authorities were failing to provide protection, improve security, or prosecute those responsible.

‘Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s past pledges to protect Rohingya refugees are now threatened by violent groups and an indifferent justice system,’ said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

‘The Bangladesh authorities’ increasingly evident intention to repatriate the Rohingya does not absolve the government of its responsibility to ensure their protection.’