In the midst of escalating violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State, a growing number of Rohingya refugees are making the perilous journey across the border into Bangladesh. Despite formidable challenges, Bangladeshi officials have confirmed to CNN that more than 5,000 Rohingya have arrived in recent weeks, fleeing the intensifying conflict.

The influx has prompted urgent calls for Bangladesh to grant humanitarian access to these new arrivals, many of whom are in desperate need of assistance.

“UNHCR is calling on Bangladesh to provide access to safety for refugees escaping the violence in Northern Rakhine State, most recently in Maungdaw township,” said Shari Nijman, spokesperson for UNHCR Bangladesh. “Among new arrivals are many women and children, including some with critical injuries from gunshots and shelling.”

Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which operates multiple clinics in Cox’s Bazar, reported treating 54 people with “war wounds” between August 5-11, nearly half of whom were women and children.

Among the recent arrivals is 45-year-old Jamila Begum, who managed to cross into Bangladesh with four of her grandchildren, including a 6-month-old baby. Begum recounted how her family attempted to flee their home on August 5 during a brief lull in the fighting. However, tragedy struck when bombs “fell on the roof of the house,” killing Begum’s daughter, her son-in-law, and their 7-year-old child.

Begum and her surviving grandchildren hid for five days before finding a boat to take them to Bangladesh. Tragically, her eldest grandchild died from his injuries before they could escape, forcing her to leave him behind on the beach. After their departure, she learned that their village had been set ablaze by the Arakan Army (AA).

“AA wants to wipe out Rohingyas from Rakhine State,” Begum said, reflecting the sentiments of many other refugees who shared their harrowing experiences with CNN.

Now safe in the camps, Begum worries about the future of her grandchildren, for whom she is the sole guardian.

“Sadness will not go from our lives,” she lamented.

BOB Post