After the arrest of their Commander-in-Chief Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi, members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) are now trying to revive their activities in the Rohingya refugee camps under a new leadership.

According to insiders, Maulana Borhan, who has served as the spokesperson of the militant group, has reportedly been appointed as the acting chief in Ataullah's absence.

On the other hand, Maulana Khalid, a key associate of Ataullah, released an audio statement yesterday urging members to hold their positions and continue their activities.

"Our activities will continue in Ataullah's absence. Do not step back. We will move forward with more strength," Khalid said in the message, a copy of which this newspaper obtained.

Khalid, who is believed to be operating the group activities from zero-line with Myanmar, also instructed his followers to monitor their opponents closely.

On March 16, the Rapid Action Battalion conducted a special drive in Narayanganj and Mymensingh and arrested Ataullah and nine others. He has been living with his wife renting a flat in Narayanganj for the last four months, according to law enforcers.

Soon after the arrest, a group of ARSA members became frustrated and tried to flee from the camp in fear of attack by their opponents in the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO). Amid the situations, changes have been brought in the leadership of ARSA.

Mohammad Siraj Amin, additional deputy inspector general, also the commander of the 14-Armed Police Battalion told The Daily Star yesterday, "We have no information about the Maulna Borhan taking charge … There is also no clue on the whereabouts of Maulana Kahlid.

"We are on alert so that no untoward incidents take place in the camp," he added.

Meanwhile, a group of ARSA members are campaigning for Ataullah's release, portraying him as a freedom fighter and a hero of the Rohingya community.

Camp sources said the group offered prayers for Ataullah during Esha prayers on Wednesday, while others celebrated his arrest.

Abdul Hakim, a Rohingya youth of Camp-1 East, said they are living in fear, expecting clashes between ARSA and its rivals.

Mohammad Minazur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) told this newspaper yesterday that they are aware that a group of Rohingyas has demonstrated and circulated video messages.

Currently, more than 1.3 million Rohingyas reside in 33 refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

On the other hand, Fortify Rights yesterday in a press release stated that Bangladesh authorities should coordinate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for the prosecution of Ataullah for war crimes in Myanmar and Bangladesh.

"As the commander-in-chief of ARSA, Ata Ullah is responsible for ordering and overseeing egregious violations of international law, including targeted killings, abductions, and the torture of Rohingya civilians," said Matthew Smith, chief executive officer at Fortify Rights.