Arakan Army persecution sparks fear of fresh Rohingya influx.
Karim Ullah, a Rohingya who fled Maungdaw town in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, described the dire situation: “Since the Arakan Army took control, I’ve been unable to work. There’s no medical care, and Arakan Army members raid my home, beating me on false pretexts.”
A week ago, he relocated his family to Bangladesh’s Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar. He added, “Many Rohingyas are waiting at Rakhine’s borders to cross into Bangladesh.”
Fears of a fresh Rohingya influx are rising in Ukhia and Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
Over the past 18 months, approximately 118,000 new Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh, with more poised to cross.
Rahim Ullah, who fled Maungdaw’s Prampro area 10 days ago and now resides in Palong camp, told Jago News, “Doing business in Maungdaw requires payments to the Arakan Army. Goods from Yangon have stopped, causing a food crisis. Their persecution is relentless. Hundreds from Prampro are hiding in mountains or near borders in Naikshongchhari, Ghumdhum, and Ukhia, waiting to enter Bangladesh.” He noted, “Young men are abducted and never return. The Arakan Army kills without hesitation.”
Hosne Ara, another refugee now in Teknaf’s Jadimura camp, shared, “The Arakan Army killed one of my children. I fled with the others to survive.”
Local leaders are alarmed. Hnila Union Parishad Acting Chairman Mohammad Ali told Jago News, “Rising Rohingya numbers are straining locals. Some Rohingyas are involved in robbery and kidnapping, targeting nearby homes.”
Palangkhali Union Parishad Chairman Gafur Uddin Chowdhury added, “A new influx would be unsustainable. Camps already occupy vast areas of Ukhia and Teknaf’s hills, with no room for more. Since November 2023, 118,000 Rohingyas have arrived due to Rakhine’s conflict.”
He emphasised, “With over 1.2 million Rohingyas here, further arrivals would overwhelm us. Border vigilance must be intensified.”
Cox’s Bazar Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mizanur Rahman confirmed that 118,000 Rohingyas have entered since November 2023, residing in Ukhia and Teknaf camps.
No decisions have been made regarding their status. Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Sheikh Ehesan Uddin stated that the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are on high alert to curb infiltration.
Md Siraj Amin, Commander of the 14 Armed Police Battalion, noted, “The law and order situation in the camps has improved, but the Refugee Relief Office oversees Rohingya activities. New arrivals are staying with relatives.”
Jago News
