Cox's Bazar, Feb. 9 -- At least 1,500 Rohingyas were detained in Ukhiya of Cox's Bazar during a special drive carried out by an army-led joint force to strengthen security ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election.

The operation began early Sunday and targeted areas outside the designated refugee camps where Rohingyas were reportedly living illegally after crossing camp boundaries. The drive was conducted in Balukhali and adjoining areas of Palongkhali union in Ukhiya upazila.

As the operation was continuing, the number of detainees may increase further, sources concerned said.

A senior official of the joint force said the drive was launched amid specific concerns that a section could attempt to misuse Rohingyas for political p...