Rohingyas start coming again

Rohingyas have again started entering Bangladesh following a recent army operation in the Rakhine State of Myanmar, sources in the bordering areas say.

Different sources estimate the number of newly intruding Rohingyas to be over 1,000 who entered through different points including Balukhali of Ukhia, Hoaikangway of Teknaf, and Ulubunia, Leda and Dhum Dhum Tumbru of Naikkhangchhari.

Rohingyas are entering at a time and taking shelter in the unregistered refugee camps of Leda, Kutu Palong and Balukhali of Ukhia, the sources claim.

Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palongkhali Union Parishad in Ukhia, said about 1,000 Rohingyas arrived in his union in last one month.

Bakhtiar Ahmed, UP member of Kutu Palong, said they learned that 150 Rohingyas took shelter in the area in last 20 days.

However, local administration and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) denied any such intrusion.

Lt Col Ariful Islam, commanding officer of BGB Battalion-2 in Teknaf, said there was no Rohingya trespass in recent days. He, however, added the border guards have increased vigilance along the border after military in Myanmar began an operation in Rakhine.

Rohingya intrusion usually takes place whenever Myanmar military deploys forces or begins an operation.

“The border guards are put on alert and are ready to face any situation,” the CO said, adding, “If anyone is found trying to enter Bangladesh, we send them back after giving mental support.”

Md Ali Hossain, deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar, said the latest military operation in Rakhine has increased their anxiety and the administration has already taken zero tolerance to stop any intrusion.

“We are working closely with all government agencies giving top priority to stop repetition of intrusion that took place in October last year,” he observed.

During a visit to Balukhali camp yesterday, this correspondent met members of Rohingya community Amir Hakim, 30, Abdur Rahim, 34, Sara Khatun, 50, and Delowar Begum, 28. They claim they have entered Bangladesh through Tumbru border point and taken shelter in that camp.

Mohammad Nur, secretary of the camp management committee, said they provided shelter to 100 new Rohingyas in last four days.

Earlier in October last year, around 75,000 Rohingyas entered Bangladesh centring an attack in an army camp in Rakhine.