A Rohingya youth was detained at the Sirajganj regional passport office on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to apply for a Bangladeshi passport using false identity documents.
The detainee, identified as 20-year-old Riajul Mostafa, was handed over to police by passport office officials after they suspected inconsistencies in his behaviour and statements.
Muntakim Md Ibrahim, assistant director of the Sirajganj regional passport office, said the youth arrived in the morning claiming to be Riaj Mia, son of Gafur Mia from Ullapara Upazila, and sought to apply for a passport. Officers became suspicious during questioning and pressed for further details.
“During interrogation he admitted that he had come from the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar,” the assistant director said. Police were then informed, and the youth was detained.
The official added that the Rohingya man had tried to use a birth certificate issued by the Purnimagati Union Parishad in Ullapara. He said staff at the Sirajganj passport office remain alert to prevent Rohingyas from obtaining Bangladeshi passports through forged documents.
Sirajganj Sadar Police Station’s investigation officer, Ahsanuzzaman, said the youth was questioned in custody. “His name is Riajul Mostafa. He came from Kutupalong Camp No. 6 in Cox’s Bazar. After completing legal procedures, he will be produced before court,” he said.
