Intensified conflict in Rakhine forces Rohingyas to flee into Teknaf

The conflict between Myanmar's army and insurgent groups, including the Arakan Army, in Rakhine state has intensified, leading to a fresh surge in Rohingya refugees crossing into Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, to escape the violence.

On Saturday (September 7), explosions were heard throughout the day, causing panic among the residents of Teknaf. According to sources, the fighting in Maungdaw Township, Rakhine, has escalated, with the sounds of mortar shells and grenade explosions being audible across the Naf River, which separates Bangladesh from Myanmar. 

The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for six months, has reached a critical point, forcing many Rohingyas to flee into Bangladesh despite the heightened presence of border security forces. 

Reports indicate that over the past two weeks, around 12,000 Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh, with an estimated 50,000 more attempting to cross the border.

Arafa Begum, a councillor of Teknaf Municipality, described the impact of the explosions: "The explosions are so intense that houses are shaking. The sound is terrifying, and children wake up at night in fear."

Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of Palangkhali Union Parishad, confirmed that many Rohingyas have already crossed into Bangladesh, evading the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard forces. He also mentioned that thousands of Rohingyas have gathered at various points in Rakhine, preparing to cross the border.

Local representatives noted that most Rohingyas are crossing the Naf River by boat under the cover of darkness, entering Bangladesh through areas like Jadimura, Damdamia, Baraitali, Naityanggpara, Jaliapara, Nazirpara and Shahparir Dwip. On Friday night alone, over 400 Rohingyas managed to enter Bangladesh. Many of them have been displaced by the recent escalation in violence.

Gafur added that around 50,000 Rohingyas have gathered in northern Parangpuru and southern Fadongcha, displaced by the ongoing conflict in Rakhine, and are waiting for entering into Bangladesh.

Nazir Ahmad, a member of Ward 9 of Teknaf Sadar Union, mentioned that brokers are facilitating the crossings. He and local residents have intercepted hundreds of Rohingyas in recent days, handing them over to the BGB, who then returned them to Myanmar.

Some Rohingya refugees who recently arrived in Teknaf shared their experiences. Zaheda Begum, 35, and Noor Jahan, 40, both from Sudapara village near Maungdaw, described the intense fighting between the Arakan Army and government forces. "Powerful grenades, mortar shells, and drone strikes have been used in the conflict, and bombs are being dropped from warplanes," they said, adding that many Rohingya settlements have been destroyed in the fighting.

Sabbir Ahmad, another refugee, revealed that brokers are charging between Tk 20,000 and Tk 30,000 per person to help Rohingyas cross the Naf River into Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Karim Ullah, a worker at Teknaf Bus Station, observed an influx of new Rohingya refugees moving towards the refugee camps daily.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Main Uddin of the 16 Armed Police Battalion (APBn), responsible for security at the Rohingya camps in Teknaf, confirmed that some Rohingyas have entered the camps, and they are being closely monitored. He assured that strict security measures are in place to prevent further entries.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Dr Adnan Chowdhury stated that while many Rohingyas are attempting to cross the border, many are being sent back to Myanmar. He added that patrolling along the Naf River has been intensified to prevent further infiltration.

Mohammad Shamsuddoza, Additional Commissioner of the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) office in Cox's Bazar, acknowledged that Rohingyas are seeking shelter but noted that there are no precise statistics on the number of recent arrivals.

Last Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain mentioned that approximately 8,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar and entered Bangladesh since the escalation of the conflict.