Bangladesh Plan to Deport Rohingya Back to Arakan

Over 300 Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh by boat to escape the severe ongoing conflict in Maungdaw, Arakan, have been arrested by Bangladeshi authorities and are now facing imminent deportation back to Myanmar.

Family members report that these refugees were detained in Teknaf and are currently being held at the Dom Dum Mya Border Guard Police Station. They are scheduled to be sent back to Maungdaw City later this evening.

“The fighting in Maungdaw is extremely severe,” a Rohingya refugee stated. “Among us are individuals who have been wounded and others who have lost family members. We fled to Bangladesh to save our remaining relatives. If the fighting subsides, we could consider returning, but not now. Sending us back now means sending us to our deaths.”

Rohingya human rights activist Ro Mayyu Islam has voiced grave concerns about the situation. “The Bangladeshi authorities must understand the dire circumstances in Arakan. They are fully aware of what is happening in Maungdaw. Where exactly do they plan to send these people? If the Bangladesh government deports them to Myanmar, what will happen if there is no military to receive them? Their future would be nothing but death. Instead of pushing them towards a deadly fate, Bangladesh should save their lives.”

There is also a real fear that the Arakan Army (AA) could arrest these individuals if they are deported back now. Families and relatives in the camps are extremely concerned for their safety and well-being and urgently request that these refugees not be sent back to Myanmar.

Rohingya Vision News