Bangladesh turns away Rohingya boat at border

A boat carrying members of the Rohingya minority has been turned away as it attempted to cross the border into Bangladesh.

The boat was attempting the crossing from Myanmar to Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, days after military action in Rakhine state.

“Thirty-one Rohingyas were attempting to enter the country illegally and were sent back,” said Lt SM Kabir Hossain, commander of Shah Parir Dwip Station Coastguard Contingent. There were nine women and 22 men aboard.

The Coastguard has stepped up surveillance and patrols at the border, according to Hossain.

“There has been an increase of military activity in Myanmar’s border areas of Mongdu, Buchidong and Rachidong in the past few weeks,” BGB Teknaf-2 Battalion Commander Lt Col SM Ariful Islam said on Aug 8.

“We have also increased our activity on the border, stepping up surveillance and patrols to prevent illegal border crossings.”

Many members of the Rohingya minority fled across the border to Bangladesh last year after Myanmar began a military crackdown in Rakhine.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina discussed the matter with Myanmar’s National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun on Aug 4.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have lived in Bangladesh for the past few decades.