On Thursday, approximately 100 Myanmar Border Guards and soldiers entered Bangladesh after being defeated by the Arakan Army in northern Rakhine State, as reported by sources from the Bangladeshi foreign ministry. However, many of these personnel have reportedly "returned" to Myanmar.

Authorities in Teknaf noted that the armed junta personnel crossed the River Naf at three points. They were subsequently taken into custody by the Border Guard Bangladesh and Coast Guard.

In a statement from June, the foreign ministry highlighted that over 752 junta personnel and their families had been repatriated since mid-February, despite the absence of an extradition treaty. Teknaf officials informed The Irrawaddy that the junta assured no intimidation or legal charges would be faced by those repatriated.

Dhaka has consistently urged Naypyidaw to take preventive measures to stop further border crossings. This comes after Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan's February announcement of a closed-border policy, which has been violated multiple times.

In recent weeks, Bangladeshi authorities have also blocked the arrival of Rohingya civilians fleeing violence in Rakhine. On May 10, Thomas Andrews, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar’s human rights, wrote to Bangladeshi officials regarding allegations of civilians being turned back at the border. Andrews also expressed concerns about the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar and the worsening conditions in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. He called on the Bangladeshi government to investigate these border allegations and ensure access to humanitarian aid.

BOB Post