Teknaf, Oct 13 (V7N): The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has sent back 37 Rohingyas, including children, who attempted to enter Bangladesh via the Naf River on Saturday night. The group, originating from Myanmar's Rakhine state, consisted of 19 children, 11 women, and eight men.

The Rohingyas were intercepted near the Keruntali border point of Sadar Union in Teknaf upazila at around 9 pm, confirmed Lt Col Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of the Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, on Sunday morning.

"BGB members noticed the group attempting to infiltrate by boat at Keruntali point. The boat was intercepted, and the Rohingyas were forced to return to their homeland," said Lt Col Mohiuddin. He mentioned that the boat crossed the zero line and headed back toward Myanmar.

The ongoing conflict between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar’s military in Rakhine state has led many Rohingyas to seek refuge along the banks of the Naf River. "Homes are being burned in some areas, and desperate people are searching for safety," he explained.

Lt Col Mohiuddin also highlighted the involvement of brokers who charge large sums of money, promising to help Rohingyas enter Bangladesh with the assistance of Bangladeshi brokers. However, BGB's vigilant border surveillance has been able to prevent such attempts.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Adnan confirmed his awareness of the situation, noting that Rohingyas attempting to infiltrate through various border points are being detained and sent back to Myanmar via the Naf River.

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