Rohingya influx into Bangladesh swells as Myanmar fighting intensifies

Locals in Cox's Bazar's Teknaf have alleged that over 20,000 Rohingyas entered Bangladesh over the past month following conflicts in Myanmar, although the interim government has not released any official data on the matter.

Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad in Teknaf Nur Hossain told TBS, "Sound of huge explosions on the other side of the border rocked the area on Friday night [6 September]."

According to Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palangkhali union of Ukhiya upazila in Cox's Bazar, Rohingyas were fleeing Maung Daw and entering Bangladesh through at least 30 border points.

"Some infiltrators have already found shelter in the camps, while some others are living in rented houses at Ukhiya and Teknaf. News is spreading that at least one lakh Rohingyas are waiting on the border to enter Bangladesh," Gafur added.

Acknowledging that Rohingyas have been crossing the border since 5 August, Additional Commissioner at the Office of Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Mohammad Samsuddouza said, "The foreign ministry has knowledge about 8,000 Rohingyas taking shelter in Bangladesh over the last month. We haven't had any statistics on any new infiltration since then."

While talking to some Rohingya families who had crossed the border, this correspondent learned that many areas in Maung Daw city have become empty as the Rohingyas living there have left for the border.

"Both the junta forces and the Arakan Army were using drones, mortar shells, grenades and bombs on each other. Rohingyas were getting hurt as bombs were being dropped from warplanes. People like us are crossing the border after paying Tk20,000 to the agents to save our lives," a Rohingya man, who wished not to be named, told this correspondent.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Ukhiya Tanvir Hossain said, "We are informed about new cases of infiltration by Rohingyas. Border Guard Bangladesh members are on high alert regarding the issue."

Main Uddin, assistant superintendent of police of the Armed Police Battalion-16, said, "Some Rohingyas have crossed the border and infiltrated the Rohingya camps in Teknaf. We have taken heavy security measures around the area."

BGB's Teknaf-2 Battalion Captain Lieutenant Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said, "BGB members are on high alert on the border. Those who are trying to infiltrate are being resisted and pushed back."

He added, "We don't have any specific information on this matter."

Meanwhile, speaking to the press on Sunday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, "We do not want any more Rohingya entering the country. However, many are still crossing the border in various ways. The BGB is pushing back those it catches, but due to our limitations, it is not possible to stop everyone."