Intermittent clashes, shootings, and bombings persist between Myanmar’s government forces and rebels, presenting an ongoing threat to residents in the area. Escaping the turmoil, many are turning to floating in boats along the Naf River, which borders Bangladesh, in search of refuge. However, the presence of Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) and Coast Guard members during the day hinders their entry. The Coast Guard intercepted over a hundred Rohingya-laden boats yesterday and Sunday. Consequently, Rohingyas are now attempting to infiltrate under the cover of nightfall.
According to local sources, Rohingyas are residing in small canoe boats along the Naf River, near the border areas of Huaikong Lombbil, Unchiprang, and Kanjarpara. Among them are individuals ranging from small children to the elderly. When they attempted to cross the Bangladesh border and the BGB blew the whistle, they moved back towards the Myanmar border. It is reported that these individuals are residents of the Kumirkhali Jumhara and Ghonapara areas of Myanmar.
According to sources from the Bangladesh Border Guards (BGB) and Coast Guard, 4 to 6 boats carrying Rohingyas were intercepted while attempting to cross the Naf River and enter Teknaf. These boats were subsequently turned back towards Myanmar. Additionally, the BGB detained 10 Rohingyas who were attempting to cross the Teknaf border and subsequently sent them back to Myanmar.
Meanwhile, a body was found floating from Myanmar to Ukhia in the tidal waters. Locals discovered the body in the Balukhali customs area of the upazila in the afternoon. It is speculated by locals that the body may belong to a member of Myanmar’s junta forces, as the corpse was found wearing an olive-colored helmet and clothes on the head. Shamim Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhia, stated that police were dispatched to the location after receiving information about the body floating through the canal.
Gofur Chowdhury, the UP chairman of Ukhia Palongkhali, stated that Rohingyas are attempting to infiltrate through various areas within his union. He mentioned that he has received information indicating that some Rohingyas from Bolibazar have positioned themselves in the river with canoes, aiming to exploit the opportunity to infiltrate. He emphasized that they are aware that no Rohingyas will be permitted to enter.
Abdul Amin, a resident of Kharankhali in Teknaf, reported that some Rohingyas are attempting to infiltrate through their area. They have been observed staying near the Bangladesh border with a dinghy for an extended period.
Noor Mohammad Anwari, the UP Chairman of Huaikxyong, confirmed that Rohingyas are attempting to enter through their area. Consequently, all UP members have been instructed to remain vigilant.
Majhi Rafiq, the Head of Camp No. 22 in Unchiprang, revealed that there has been ongoing conflict for several days to seize the Kumirkhali base. This situation has put hundreds of Rohingya families residing in Kumirkhali Jumhara and Ghonapara areas at significant risk.
Lt. Col. Mohiuddin Ahmed, the commander of BGB Teknaf-2 battalion, disclosed that on February 9, two suspicious women from Myanmar crossed the zero line of the Naf river in the Lomabil area of Huaikong Union and infiltrated into Bangladesh. Upon noticing the two women, BGB members intervened and instructed them to halt. During the initial interrogation, the women identified themselves as citizens of Myanmar. Subsequently, they were pushed back across the border. Lt. Col. Ahmed emphasized the perpetual vigilance of the BGB to prevent any Rohingyas from entering the country.
The army successfully defused two unexploded mortar shells that were recovered by the BGB at the Tumbru border in Naikshyongchari around 4 pm today. According to local reports and BGB sources, two days ago, these shells were discovered from the land adjacent to the 39 pillars on the Tumbru border and from the bridge near the Tumbru BOP.
Jahangir Aziz, the chairman of Ghumdhum, mentioned that there is a sense of relief among the people following the improvement of the situation at the border. However, residents living in the border areas still harbor some fear, which has not completely subsided.
It’s worth noting that in 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya sought refuge in Bangladesh amidst the conflict in their home country. Despite the passage of time, they have not yet been repatriated.
Due to the current situation, there’s a possibility that the SSC examination center at a school in Ghumdhum Union, Naikshyongchari, Bandarban, may be changed. The administration has notified the board of education to assess the situation, and the education board will make the final decision regarding this matter.
Mohammad Khairul Bashar, the Headmaster of Ghumdhum High School, stated, “We are considering North Ghumdhum Government Primary School as an alternative center. However, the transfer of centers to this location requires approval from the Department of Primary and Mass Education. We have already informed them about this matter.”
Meanwhile, a remand application has been submitted for the interrogation of 23 armed Rohingyas who allegedly infiltrated through the Ukhiya Mercy Bill border last Tuesday. Following their infiltration, local representatives and residents apprehended them and handed them over to the BGB. Subsequently, on Friday afternoon, a BGB member filed a complaint against the Rohingyas at the Ukhia police station. Later, they were transferred to police custody.
Local sources claim that these individuals are members of the Arakan Rohingya Army (ARA), with Nabi Hussain purportedly serving as the leader of this armed separatist group. According to BGB sources, Nabi Hussain is wanted for various crimes, including drug and arms smuggling along the border, with a reward announced for his capture.
Shamim Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhia police station, stated that the origin of the weapons possessed by the 23 Rohingyas and the reasons for their presence near the border will be investigated on Monday (today) if their remand is granted.
