Rohingya infiltration escalates with intensified conflict in Myanmar

The government puts the figure at 8,000, though the real number is believed to be higher

As the conflict in Myanmar escalates, there has been a significant increase in Rohingya infiltrations into Bangladesh.

According to reports from Cox’s Bazar residents, many Rohingya Muslims, driven by intense fighting between Myanmar's army and the Arakan Army near Mongdu in Rakhine State, are entering Bangladesh with the aid of brokers or by attempting to cross the border themselves.

On Sept 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 8,000 Rohingya had entered the country, but representatives believe the actual number is much higher.

There are reports of thousands more Rohingya attempting to enter.

These Rohingya are crossing through at least 30 border points on land and sea routes in Ukhiya and Teknaf. The local administration and BGB have increased border security and are turning away intruders.

Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of Palongkhali Union Parishad in Ukhiya Upazila, said: "While some infiltrating Rohingya have entered the camp, many are renting houses in Ukhiya and Teknaf.

Reports indicate that around 100,000 Rohingya have gathered in Rakhine State, waiting to enter Bangladesh, with the largest concentration in Parangpuru, Myanmar, near the Whykong border."

Main Uddin, assistant superintendent of Police for the 16 Armed Police Battalion, or APBn, overseeing security at the Rohingya refugee camp in Teknaf, said: "Some Rohingya have entered the camp. Strict security measures are in place."

Local representatives report that the Arakan Army is fiercely battling to control Mongdu, while the government army is resisting to hold control over the city.

As a result, air strikes have been ongoing for a week, causing intense fighting and loud explosions in the Teknaf border area. Locals are experiencing sleepless panic due to the continuous disturbances. From Saturday night to Sunday morning, the Teknaf border was rocked by these explosions.

Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad, Nur Hossain, said: "The loud explosions began at 1:30am on Friday night. A fierce battle is ongoing in Mongdu between the rebels and government forces.

“The Arakan Army is desperately trying to capture the BGP and two army battalions in the city, while BGP and army personnel are firing mortar shells and missiles to defend them. Teknaf is trembling from the noise."

According to border residents and public representatives, Rohingya infiltration has occurred through Jadimora in Teknaf - the main area of infiltration - and other locations including Damdamia, Keruntali, Baraitali, Naitongpara, Jaliyapara, Nazirpara, Maulvipara, Nayapara, Sabrang, Shah Porir Dwip, Mistri Para, Gholarchar, Khurermukh, Alir Dale, Moheshkhalipara, Lombari, Tulatoli, Rajarchhara, Baharchara Coast, Balukhali, and Ghumdhum.

Rohingya gathered in Parangpuru to the north and Fadongcha to the south of Mongdu are attempting to infiltrate with the help of brokers.

A few Rohingya families crossed the border in Teknaf early Friday morning and were staying in a hilly area while trying to enter the camp.

The Rohingya family reported that Daliapara and Sudapara areas of Mongdu city are now empty. Both sides are using powerful grenades, mortar shells, drone attacks, and bombs from warplanes. Many people are getting injured and fleeing in all directions to escape.

They claimed to have paid Tk 20,000 per person to brokers.

Additional Commissioner of the refugee relief and repatriation commissioner office, Md Shamsud Douza, said: "Before and after Aug 5, the Bangladesh government displaced about 8,000 Rohingya due to the crisis. The foreign ministry has confirmed this. Despite this, there is still information about some Rohingya infiltration, but exact statistics are not available."

Lt Col Mohiuddin Ahmed of BGB Teknaf 2 Battalion said: "BGB is maintaining strict vigilance on the border and repelling those attempting to infiltrate. However, they do not have specific information about the infiltration."