By Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh – February 25, 2025
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested 28 Rohingya women and children in the early hours of February 25 while they were attempting to cross into Bangladesh from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The group, which included vulnerable women and minors, was detained near Mathabanga in Baharchara Ward No. 7 after locals reported their arrival.
According to sources, the Rohingya individuals traveled by boat across the Naf River, hoping to reach the refugee camps in Bangladesh through the Marine Drive Point. However, their journey was cut short when local residents alerted the BGB, leading to their detention.
The detained Rohingya were reportedly fleeing dire conditions in Rakhine State, where ongoing conflicts, persecution, and food shortages have made survival increasingly difficult. As Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army (AA) continue their operations in Rohingya-inhabited areas, the humanitarian situation has worsened, forcing many to risk dangerous journeys in search of safety.
Despite the overwhelming number of Rohingya already living in the overcrowded camps of Cox’s Bazar, new arrivals continue to attempt entry into Bangladesh due to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. However, the Bangladeshi authorities remain firm in their stance against accepting more refugees, citing the strain on resources and security concerns.
The BGB has not yet released an official statement regarding the fate of the detainees. It remains unclear whether they will be deported back to Myanmar or held for further processing. Meanwhile, human rights organizations continue to urge the Bangladeshi government to handle such cases with compassion, emphasizing the need for international pressure on Myanmar to ensure a safe and dignified future for the Rohingya people.
