By: Camp Correspondent
Kurigram, Bangladesh — May 17, 2025
A Rohingya family of five was detained by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) near the Bhurungamari border in Kurigram District on May 7, after reportedly being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by India’s Border Security Force (BSF), Rohingya Khobor has learned.
The family, originally from Kwayingdong village in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, had taken refuge at Matia Refugee Camp in Assam, India, and held UNHCR refugee cards issued in New Delhi, dated April 24, 2024.
They were identified as:
- Mamid Ulah (44)
- Romana Begum (35)
- Their three children, aged 20, 15, and 13
Residents spotted the family in the Notunhat Bazar area, close to the Bhawalkuri border, and alerted the authorities. BGB personnel from Sonahat Company Camp, under Kurigram 22 Battalion, detained the family and confirmed the incident.
“We were taken from the camp in Assam by unknown men. They blindfolded us, put us in a vehicle, and after a long drive, dropped us off near a field. We were told to walk. That’s when we realized we were in Bangladesh,” said Romana Begum, recalling the ordeal.
The family said they fled Myanmar to escape violence and are terrified of being returned to India, where they fear further abuse or deportation.
“If we go back, we will be killed. We just want safety in a Rohingya camp here,” she added.
The BGB has confirmed lodging a formal protest with Indian authorities over the incident and stated that border patrols have been intensified to prevent similar unauthorized cross-border movements.
This incident comes amid increased reports of forced deportations and growing insecurity among Rohingya refugees living in India, particularly in Assam and Delhi, many of whom fear arrest and refoulement despite holding valid refugee documentation from the UNHCR.
Rights groups have repeatedly warned that India’s current deportation practices violate the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face serious threats to life, liberty, or safety.
