In a significant development, more than 500 Rohingya refugees crossed into Bangladesh in a single day, joining the 200 who had arrived via the Cox's Bazar border on Friday. Over the past two weeks, approximately 8,000 Rohingyas have made the dangerous journey across the Ukhia and Teknaf borders.

On Saturday, September 7, refugees entered Bangladesh through various points along the Naf River. Local residents and officials reported that many arrived during the night, traveling from villages in Myanmar’s Mangdu Township, situated just across the river. The refugees arrived by boat from areas including Sudapara, Faizipara, Sikdarpara, and Nurullapara, reaching border locations such as Jadimora, Damdamia, and Shahpari Dwip.

Adnan Chowdhury, the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), noted that authorities have intensified patrols along the river and border to manage the influx. While some refugees are being turned back, others have already entered the camps.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Main Uddin, overseeing security at the Teknaf refugee camp, confirmed that new arrivals are being admitted but under strict surveillance. Enhanced security measures are in place to prevent further crossings.

This recent influx occurs six years after a massive exodus began in August 2017, triggered by a brutal Myanmar military campaign that led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas. By early 2018, over 750,000 Rohingyas had sought refuge in Cox’s Bazar, joining the 400,000 already in camps.

Although Myanmar’s government initially committed to repatriating the Rohingyas under international pressure, efforts to return them in 2019 failed due to the refugees’ deep mistrust of Myanmar’s assurances, leaving the crisis unresolved.

BOB Post