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TL;DR:
- Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted and returned 37 Rohingya individuals, including 19 children, 11 women, and 8 men, attempting to enter Bangladesh from Myanmar via the Naf River on October 12, 2024.
- The incident occurred at the Keruntoli border point in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, around 9:00 PM local time, as reported by Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of BGB’s Teknaf-based 2nd Battalion.
- Bangladesh continues to face challenges in managing the Rohingya refugee crisis, with over 700,000 Rohingya refugees sheltered since August 2017, in addition to the 300,000 already residing in the country.
- Recent escalation of violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state has led to further displacement of Rohingya populations, with international organizations expressing concern over the ongoing turmoil and its impact on civilians.
Border Guard Bangladesh Thwarts Rohingya Entry Attempt
In a decisive action, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted and returned 37 Rohingya individuals attempting to enter Bangladesh from Myanmar. The incident occurred on the night of October 12, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM local time, at the Keruntoli border point in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of BGB’s Teknaf-based 2nd Battalion, reported that the group, comprising 19 children, 11 women, and 8 men, was spotted crossing the Naf River on several boats. As they approached the Bangladeshi shore, BGB personnel on routine patrol intervened and promptly sent them back to Myanmar.
“BGB is on high alert to prevent any intrusion through the border,” Lt Col Ahmed emphasized, underscoring the ongoing vigilance of Bangladesh’s border forces.
This incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by both Bangladesh and Myanmar in managing the Rohingya refugee crisis. Since August 2017, Bangladesh has sheltered over 700,000 Rohingya refugees who fled a brutal military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The influx added to the 300,000 Rohingya already residing in Bangladesh due to previous waves of violence.
Recent reports indicate an escalation of violence in Rakhine state, with renewed conflicts between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army. This has resulted in further displacement of Rohingya populations, with some attempting to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
The situation remains complex, with international organizations expressing concern over the ongoing turmoil. UNICEF has reported alarming instances of civilians, particularly children and families, being caught in the crossfire, resulting in casualties and hampering humanitarian access to the region.
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the largest refugee population in its history, the country’s authorities maintain a firm stance on preventing further unauthorized entries. This latest interception by the BGB reflects the ongoing tensions and humanitarian challenges in the region, as the Rohingya crisis enters its seventh year with no clear resolution in sight.
Source: TBS News
