A total of 71 Myanmar nationals belonging to the ethnic Tanchangya community have voluntarily returned to their homeland through the Ghumdhum border in Bandarban under the supervision of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

According to officials of BGB’s 34th Battalion, the repatriation took place in two phases. On Tuesday (July 22), 48 individuals from 10 families crossed back into Rakhine State, followed by 23 more individuals from five families on Wednesday (July 23). The returnees re-entered Myanmar through the ‘Ambagan’ area near border pillar 37.

These families had fled ongoing armed conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army in Rakhine and sought temporary refuge in Baishfari Tanchangya Para of Ghumdhum in late 2023 and early 2024.

Lieutenant Colonel S.M. Khairul Alam, commander of BGB-34, confirmed the return, stating, “All 71 individuals went back willingly. No force was used. BGB has been in dialogue with them for a long time, explaining the situation and supporting their desire to return when safe.”

He further added that the repatriation process was peaceful and carried out in a dignified manner with full respect for the returnees’ voluntary decision.

The BGB emphasized that the situation in the returnees’ native villages in Rakhine has reportedly calmed down in recent weeks, prompting their decision to go back. 

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