BGB detains five Rohingyas on Naf River; woman among them injured
COX’S BAZAR CORRESPONDENT
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained five Rohingyas, including a woman who was injured, as they attempted to cross into Bangladesh from Myanmar via the Naf River in Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar, officials said Saturday.
The incident occurred amidst intermittent explosions heard from the Myanmar side of the border from Saturday morning until noon, with a cessation of activities reported from 1 PM to 6:30 PM.
Local reports indicate that at around 5 PM on Saturday, the Rohingyas were attempting to enter Bangladesh through Shah Porir Dwip, using a small boat, when they were intercepted by BGB personnel.
According to a resident near the Naf River area of Shah Porir Dwip, the group consisted of one woman and four men, with the woman having sustained gunshot wounds. BGB forces have surrounded the boat, with efforts underway to repatriate the Rohingyas.
Mohammed Amin, another local, mentioned that the boat arrived at the Shah Porir Dwip jetty in the afternoon, carrying five people, one of whom was visibly injured. It is believed they were seeking medical assistance.
A youth fishing at the jetty, Rubel, recounted the arrival of the boat, noting that the injured woman was laid down inside it and appeared to have a saline drip attached to her hand. BGB personnel subsequently secured the area around the boat.
Locals at the jetty confirmed that the five Rohingyas, including a married couple and three others claiming to be boatmen, had reached Shah Porir Dwip.
Abdus Salam, the member of Ward No 9 under Sabrang Union Parishad reported hearing about the arrival of five Rohingyas by boat from Myanmar, with one woman among them injured. However, they were not permitted entry by BGB.
As of yet, there has been no official comment from BGB regarding the incident.
Md Adnan Chowdhury, the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer, remarked, “This situation stems from Myanmar. In light of the ongoing conflict there, we have intensified patrols by BGB and the Coast Guard. We have advised residents along the border to remain vigilant and have made it clear that infiltration will not be tolerated.”
