Another 500 Rohingyas flee to Bangladesh

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

At least 500 Rohingyas crossed the border from Myanmar into Bangladesh on Saturday, local officials said, in the latest influx of refugees escaping violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.

The latest arrivals come after more than 200 Rohingyas crossed into Bangladesh on Friday through Cox’s Bazar. Over the past two weeks, an estimated 8,000 Rohingyas have entered through the Ukhia and Teknaf borders, with another 40,000 reportedly waiting to cross from areas like Manipara, Sikdarpara, and Airpara in Myanmar’s Maungdaw, according to local sources.

Rohingya leaders, who requested anonymity, said recent clashes erupted over extortion demands targeting new arrivals from Myanmar.

The fleeing Rohingyas reported that they crossed the border amid ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, evading law enforcement, and are now seeking refuge in camps in Ukhia and Teknaf.

Mohammad Zaker, who took shelter in Camp-1 on Friday after fleeing Myanmar, said he crossed with his wife and children after waiting at the border for two days.

Sabbir Ahmed, who arrived on Saturday and took shelter in Block B of Camp-1, said he crossed into Bangladesh with his family through Teknaf’s Jadimura border area to save their lives.

Local residents and officials said the four-kilometer-wide Naf River separates Maungdaw Township in Rakhine from Bangladesh’s Teknaf Upazila. Under cover of darkness, Rohingyas are crossing the river by boat from villages such as Sudapara, Fayezipara, Sikdarpara, and Nurullapara into Bangladesh. Many are entering through routes including Jadimora, Damdamia, Keruntali, Boroitoli, Naitongpara, and Shah Porir Dwip.

Main Uddin, assistant superintendent of police with the 16th Armed Police Battalion responsible for camp security in Teknaf, said some Rohingyas have entered the camp and are being monitored. “Strict measures have been put in place to prevent further entries,” he said.

Adnan Chowdhury, Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer, said, “There have been several instances of Rohingya infiltration across various points along the border, but many are being turned back to Myanmar.” Patrols along the Naf River and border areas have been intensified to prevent further crossings.

Meanwhile, unrest has erupted in several Rohingya camps in Ukhia. At least 15 people have been injured in clashes between two Rohingya groups over the past two days, said Rohingya leader Ali Hossain, with seven injured in Camp-18 on Thursday and eight in Camp-15 the day before.