In the midst of Myanmar's escalating civil conflict, 74 soldiers and Border Guard Police (BGP) members from the junta government's army have sought refuge in Bangladesh, forced to flee the intense fighting against rebels.
According to reports, these individuals crossed the border into Bangladesh through the Naikshyongchhari border in Bandarban district over the course of three days. Upon their arrival, they were taken into custody by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
On Tuesday alone, 58 soldiers and BGP members escaped from Myanmar, with 46 individuals arriving under the cover of darkness. They entered Bangladesh through various routes, including Ashadtali-Jamchari and Ghumdhum Union of Naikshyongchari Upazila, before being apprehended by the BGB and surrendering their weapons.
Currently, a total of 260 individuals who fled Myanmar are being held in BGB custody at the headquarters in Naikshyongchari.
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has seen government forces engaged in battles with various ethnic armed rebel groups, resulting in the gradual loss of territory by the government to the rebels. According to the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, the junta government maintains "full control" over only 17 percent of the country, while 23 percent is in conflict and 52 percent is held by rebel groups.
As the situation deteriorates and the rebels intensify their attacks, an increasing number of individuals, including army and BGP members, are seeking refuge in neighboring Bangladesh. This recent influx follows a similar trend in February, where 330 individuals, including government soldiers, BGP, and immigration officials, fled to Bangladesh during fierce clashes. However, they were subsequently repatriated to Myanmar on February 15.
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