Bangladesh Increases Border Security: Fears of New Rohingya Influx
As fighting intensifies between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army in Rakhine province, Bangladesh is bracing for a potential new wave of Rohingya refugees. To prevent further spillover, the Bangladesh Border Guard Force has ramped up surveillance along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Since June, over 18,000 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh, with many more reportedly waiting to flee the conflict. A Foreign Ministry official stated, "The situation is dire, and we’ve increased border vigilance to manage the influx."
Despite the 271 km border with Myanmar posing a challenge, Bangladesh remains committed to preventing further crossings, as concerns grow over limited resources and security. Bangladesh has already hosted over 1 million Rohingya refugees since 2017, following a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
The current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has maintained its stance of not granting citizenship to Rohingya refugees, following the policy of the previous government under Sheikh Hasina. Despite international pressure, Bangladesh has reiterated that the Rohingya must return to Myanmar, leaving the question of repatriation unresolved.
(Based on Reuters)
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