Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar 

A  mysterious farmstead in Teknaf hill has been discovered . At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary poultry farm. But behind this façade, a sinister criminal empire has taken root. Armed Rohingya militants have secretly taken refuge here, using it as a hub for abduction, torture, and as a secret warehouse for yaba (methamphetamine pills). Locals refer to it as the stronghold of ‘Azom Sarkar.’

At the center of this hidden den is the notorious yaba kingpin, Shah Azom. Once involved in the drug trade alongside his father, Nurul Huda, Shah Azom publicly surrendered in the presence of the Home Minister on February 16, 2019. However, he never truly left the world of crime — instead, he returned with even greater ferocity. Deep in the hills, he has seized approximately 250 acres of land, transforming it into a so-called modern farmstead that serves as a cover for his criminal operations.

According to local residents and several kidnap victims who were released after paying ransom, at least 50 armed Rohingya men reside within the compound. It features five large tin-shed houses, a kitchen, a meeting room, a resting area, and tube wells — all meticulously organized. But hidden within this compound is a torture cell where abducted victims are subjected to inhumane treatment. Those who resist face dire consequences. A forest department official managed to escape after being held hostage for three days.

Confidential sources report that yaba smuggled in from Myanmar is stockpiled at this secret outpost before being distributed across various regions of the country. Shah Azom runs this clandestine empire from the heart of the hills, where he is now infamously known as ‘Azom Sarkar.’ Fearful of his armed guards, locals dare not speak out.

After a three-month investigation, a reporter secretly ventured close to the site. When attempting to capture photos and video footage, the armed Rohingya guards chased him and fired warning shots. Fearing for his life, the journalist was forced to flee the area that day.

Neither the forest department nor local administration officials are willing to speak openly about the situation. Several officials, on condition of anonymity, admitted that they are regularly forced to visit Shah Azom’s compound in the hills, but the risk to their lives prevents them from taking any action. According to the Cox’s Bazar District Police, there have been 245 abduction incidents centered around Teknaf’s hills over the past 15 months. Police have assured that a thorough investigation into the matter is underway.

When contacted for comment, Shah Azom responded to the journalist’s inquiry with a counter-question: “What problem do journalists have if I run a farm in the hills? This is my personal matter. There’s no need for any discussion.”

On one side lies this terrifying hideout in the remote hills, while on the other, the local populace lives in constant fear. With the administration silent and armed gangs reigning unchecked, yet another fortress of crime is rising in the dense forests. These hills have now become not just a sanctuary for criminals, but a secret dominion of fear and mystery.