Ukhiya, July 31 (V7N) - Rohingyas are making their way into Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine State, crossing the border via the Naf River with the assistance of brokers. These individuals are reportedly finding refuge in various camps throughout Ukhiya.

On July 26, eight new Rohingyas entered Bangladesh. Two families crossed the Teknaf border illegally with brokers and have since taken shelter with relatives in Kutupalong Rohingya Camp 2-East E Block.

DIG Amir Jafar of the 8 Armed Police Battalion stated that he is currently unaware of these incidents and will need to conduct further investigations.

The new arrivals include Fatema (60), Rehana (30), and children Nur Sadia (8) and Mostak (5), who are staying with their relative Nur Nahar in Camp E-3 Block. Another family—Nesar (70), his wife Halema Khatun (60), and their children Enam (30) and Orshid (18)—is residing with Asma Begum in the same camp.

Reports indicate that these families managed to cross the border by bribing law enforcement through brokers for their safety.

Previously, several Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh in phases. While some have been pushed back, others have sought refuge with relatives in the Ukhiya-Teknaf camps.

With ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military and rebel groups in Rakhine, the UNHCR estimates over 70,000 Rohingyas are trapped in the region. Many are reportedly waiting on the other side of the border to enter Bangladesh, with brokers charging between 20,000 to 100,000 Taka for these illegal crossings.

Authorities claim that strict monitoring measures are in place to prevent new infiltrations, with any attempted entries being sent back.

Commander Mohammad Iqbal of the 14 Armed Police Battalion in Ukhiya confirmed reports of new arrivals but noted that specific numbers are not yet available.

Ukhiya’s Upazila Executive Officer Tanveer Hossain confirmed that several new families have sought refuge in various camps and assured that senior authorities are aware. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is on high alert to prevent further infiltrations.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shamsul Hossain of Ukhiya police station stated that efforts are underway to identify and prosecute members of the trafficking networks operating at the border. A list of traffickers is being compiled for legal action.

Sources reveal that Rohingyas initially walk to the Naf River’s edge, where brokers with boats are waiting. On the Bangladesh side, traffickers at the Teknaf border facilitate crossings under the cover of darkness. Brokers are reportedly charging substantial sums for these illegal crossings, with at least 20 known traffickers involved, including individuals like Badi Alam and Helal Uddin. Many of these traffickers are listed in police records, with several facing human trafficking charges.

These trafficking networks operate across at least 20 border points, including Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari, Tumbru, and Ghumdhum, as well as Teknaf’s Jadimura, Keruntali, and Boroitli. Trafficking is also active at Ukhiya’s Dhamnkhali, Rahmeterbil, and Anjumanpara borders. The BGB has intensified patrols to combat these activities and prevent further Rohingya infiltrations.

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