Tambru border: Relocation of Rohingyas begins
The relocation process of stranded Rohingyas, who fled into Bangladesh territory from a zero-line refugee camp amid violence, began yesterday (Feb 5, 2023).
At least 180 stranded Rohingyas of 35 families were brought to a transit camp in Ukhiya’s Kutupalong by buses today, said Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
The relocated Rohingyas are among nearly 3,000 who fled into Bangladesh territory after intense gunfights between two Myanmar armed groups near the Tambru border of Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari upazila.
On the morning of January 18, a gunfight started between the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO), both of which were attempting to seize control of the Konarpara Rohingya Camp.
The firing left one refugee dead and two children wounded, causing widespread panic among people.
The clash continued the next day, forcing many Rohingyas to flee into Bangladesh and seek refuge inside a school in Tambru and surrounding areas, according to Rohingyas and intelligence officials.
On February 1, Mizanur Rahman said all the Rohingyas will be moved to different camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazilas of Cox’s Bazar after verifying.
Among the Rohingyas transferred yesterday, there were both registered and unregistered refugees, Mizanur Rahman said, adding that the transfer was a trial run and the relocation process would gradually increase.
After scrutinising their identity cards and other documents, they will be sent to the camps they have already been registered under, he added.
