Diplomatic Correspondent :
As Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr Muhammad Yunus is grappling with a range of domestic and regional challenges while attempting to steer the country towards comprehensive reform.
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has further exacerbated the Rohingya refugee crisis, with the Arakan Army gaining new territory daily after intense battles with the Myanmar Army.
The escalating violence in Myanmar is forcing more Rohingyas to flee their homes, joining the hundreds of thousands already residing in camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, Bangladesh, where they have sought refuge for over seven years.
Despite the interim government’s claims that the border is sealed, reports from local sources suggest a different reality. Rohingyas are reportedly entering Bangladesh daily, facilitated by brokers charging Tk 20,000 to Tk 30,000 per person. Border sources indicate that approximately 14,000 Rohingyas have crossed into Bangladesh in the past two weeks, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 more waiting at the Mongdu border.
Local residents have voiced concerns about how the refugees are managing to slip through despite the increased security presence of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard along the Naf River.
The situation in Maungdaw Township, in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has deteriorated sharply over the last few days, with continuous mortar fire, grenade attacks, and gunfire echoing across the border. Reports suggest that the Arakan Army has displaced 50,000 to 60,000 Rohingyas from several villages including Nurullapara, Sikandarpara, Ukilpara, Sudhapara, and Monipara, all located near Maungdaw. Currently, an estimated 300,000 Rohingyas remain in Rakhine State.
Many of the Rohingyas who have fled to Bangladesh are now staying in makeshift homes with relatives or other refugees. Joint Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), confirmed that around 12,000 to 14,000 Rohingyas have taken shelter in the camps.
“They are currently staying in the camps or with their relatives. Some of them have sustained bullet injuries and received medical treatment. No decision has been made yet regarding the new arrivals,” Rahman told the media.
Last Tuesday, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that approximately 8,000 Rohingyas had recently entered Bangladesh. He emphasised that the interim government is taking the matter seriously and will convene to discuss the influx of new refugees.
Mohammad Jubayer, Chairman of the Arakan Society for Peace and Human Rights, highlighted the international community’s insufficient response to the Rohingya crisis. He called for immediate action to halt the Myanmar conflict and to address the crisis through the repatriation of the Rohingya population.
“The international community should take immediate steps to stop the Myanmar conflict and resolve the Rohingya crisis through repatriation,” Jubayer said.
Dr Muhammad Yunus has been persistent in his appeals for international support to manage the crisis. During a recent meeting with Ambassador Kevin S Randel of Vatican City at the State Guest House Jamuna, Dr Yunus sought assistance for resolving the Rohingya crisis. He also discussed inter-religious dialogue, minority rights, and the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Over the past seven years, the Myanmar government has failed to repatriate any Rohingya refugees, and the situation in the camps continues to deteriorate. International humanitarian aid is dwindling, and food assistance is being reduced annually.
Meanwhile, China has reiterated its commitment to assisting Bangladesh in addressing the crisis.
As the situation continues to worsen, Dr Yunus remains vocal in his calls for global action to help resolve one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the region.