Police have rescued 38 Rohingya refugees after they illegally entered Bangladesh territory by crossing the Bay of Bengal through the Teknaf coastline in Cox's Bazar.

Among those rescued, eight are women, and the rest are children, said Inspector Shovon Kumar Saha, in charge of the Baharchhara Police Investigation Centre in Teknaf.

"They were rescued from Noakhaliapara in Baharchhara union Wednesday evening. They are now in police custody."

Human traffickers took them to a hill in Noakhaliapara by boat, the official said, adding that they were waiting to be taken to different Rohingya camps, where they have relatives.

"We are waiting for instructions from higher authorities. They (authorities) have been informed, and actions will be taken as per their instructions."

Inspector Shovon said the refugees are from different parts of Myanmar.

Earlier on January 5, Border Guard Bangladesh detained 36 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, while they were trying to enter Bangladesh via a trawler at Sabrang Mundardail in Teknaf. They were later sent back to Myanmar.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said efforts are underway to gather more information about the rescued Rohingya refugees.

He added that law enforcement agencies have been directed to work together to prevent the illegal entry of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.