Rohingyas crossing border again, bodies washing ashore

Amid the escalating internal conflicts in Myanmar, the influx of Rohingya people crossing the border into Bangladesh territory has increased again since the start of the month.

Although there is no official figure, reports suggest as many as 30,000 Rohingyas have entered so far in July. Human trafficking networks are active amid the chaos, who are using boats to ferry Rohingyas across the Naf River.

There are also reports of dead bodies washing ashore in border areas and locals are burying them. Locals said many dead bodies carried bullet injuries, suggesting they were victims of the ongoing battles in Myanmar. 

Bangladeshi media have reported that about fifty bodies have washed ashore in Bangladesh so far. However, local journalists said the number is almost 200.

Rohingyas are now involved in clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army. This has made them a target of both sides, resulting in the deaths of at least 200 Rohingyas in July alone, according to international media.  

Meanwhile, border security in Bangladesh became laxed since early this month due to student movement. This has resulted in no official count of how many Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh during this period.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammed Mizanur Rahman told The Business Standard that they had not conducted a new survey, so there is no exact number. 

“However, we estimate that several thousand new Rohingyas have crossed into Bangladesh since last November due to Myanmar’s internal conflicts. This month, some of the arrivals include injured individuals, such as those with bullet wounds and pregnant women,” he said.

Local residents and journalists in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban border areas report that Rohingyas are entering through various points, including Naikhongchhari, Tumbru, Ghumdhum, Jadimura, Keruntoli, Boraitoli, Chowdhuripara, Moulvibazar, Nazirpara, Nayapara, Khurer Muk, Maheshkhaliapara, Tulatuli Ghat, Shah Porir Zaliapara, and Golar Char in Teknaf , and Ukhiya’s Dhamankhali, Rahmaterbil, and Anjumanpara.

A recent report by the German news agency Deutsche Welle Rohingyas fleeing towards Bangladesh were attacked by drones in Maungdaw, Myanmar, in the first week of August. 

The Arakan Army is suspected of carrying out these attacks, which resulted in at least 200 Rohingya deaths, said the report.  

Quoting Teknaf-based NGO worker Mahbub Alam Minar, the report said, “I have overseen the burial of 170 Rohingya bodies. The majority were buried at the cemetery of the Boro Madrasa Mosque on Shah Porir Island, where 55 bodies were laid to rest. 

He further said at least 7,000-10,000 Rohingyas are waiting on the other side of the Teknaf and Ukhiya borders, ready to enter Bangladesh.

Suza Uddin, an independent journalist and policy analyst at Bangladesh Polity, told TBS that new waves of Rohingya refugees are arriving in Bangladesh, seeking safety and humanitarian aid.

Relatives of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh are struggling to provide assistance to loved ones who have fled the violence, Suza said.  

He said the escalating crisis demands immediate international attention and action.