Over 100,000 Rohingya Waiting in Rakhine, Posing Risk to Bangladesh

At least one lakh Rohingya are waiting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, ready to cross into Bangladesh at any opportunity. If this happens, it could exacerbate the humanitarian and security crisis in the southeastern region of the country.

Yamuna Television spoke to Selim, a Rohingya youth who fled from Buthidaung in Arakan to a camp in Cox’s Bazar. Selim shared that while he managed to escape, he lost three family members to the atrocities committed by the Arakan Army.

In one of the rooms in the Rohingya camp, many residents bear the scars of the Arakan Army’s violence. Some have had their hands or legs amputated, while others have been permanently disabled. Eight years ago, nearly seven lakh Rohingya sought refuge in Bangladesh to escape persecution by the Myanmar military junta and Rakhine locals. The Rohingya allege that the Arakan Army is following the same path as the junta, confiscating essential documents like citizenship cards after subjecting them to torture. Recently, evidence of a mass grave was discovered in Rakhine, indicating the killing of hundreds of Rohingya. Analysts warn that without resolving ethnic and religious conflicts, overcoming such a situation is nearly impossible. Migration expert Asif Munir stated that repatriation of the Rohingya is unlikely unless the stance of Myanmar’s military or elected government changes. He noted that refugees from Afghanistan, Palestine, and Ukraine have also sought asylum in third countries. According to various intelligence reports, around two lakh Rohingya have sought refuge in the Ukhiya-Teknaf camps over the past year due to Arakan Army atrocities. However, if the Rohingya waiting at the border manage to enter, Bangladesh could face new challenges. The Repatriation Commission has expressed concerns that an additional half-lakh Rohingya could infiltrate by the end of this year. Mizanur Rahman, Commissioner of the Refugee, Relief, and Repatriation Commission, said, “A significant risk has emerged along Bangladesh’s border. This is a major challenge for us. Drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other criminal activities are occurring constantly at the border. The army, BGB, police, and other forces are continuously dealing with these issues.” Notably, eight years ago, lakhs of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh from Mongdu Township in Arakan due to internal conflicts and persecution by the junta and Rakhine locals. This trend continues, raising fears that without initiating repatriation, Bangladesh could see another influx of Rohingya.