Bangladesh Push Back Rohingya Trafficked by AA

On November 16, at approximately 8:00 PM, the Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) intercepted and pushed back 50 Rohingyas trafficked into Bangladesh by the Arakan Army (AA), according to sources. The victims had reportedly been extorted for 6 lakh MMK per person during the trafficking process.

“There is a human trafficking network operated by the Arakan Army (AA), which transports people from Myanmar to other countries while extorting ransom money,” the source revealed. “On November 15, they transported 50 Rohingyas into Bangladesh, extorting 6 lakh MMK per person. However, these individuals were apprehended by the BGB and pushed back into Maungdaw the following day.”

Further reports indicate that on November 14, around 300 Rohingyas, including children, women, and men, were transported from Buthidaung to Maungdaw by the Arakan Army’s trafficking network. Each person was forced to pay 20 lakh MMK. Upon arrival in Maungdaw, they were held in Kyaw Hle Kha and Minglalar Gyi villages in northern Maungdaw, where an additional 6 lakh MMK was extorted from the 50 individuals sent to Bangladesh.

One of the victims recounted their ordeal:
“We were taken from Buthidaung to Maungdaw on November 14 by the Arakan Army’s human trafficking network, who extorted 20 lakh MMK per person. On November 15, we were transported into Bangladesh after paying another 6 lakh MMK per person. However, we were apprehended by the BGB, who pushed us back into Maungdaw on November 16.”

The victim continued, “After being pushed back, we were kept in boats and left to float near Minglalar Gyi village for a day. The Arakan Army, patrolling the border, did not allow us to disembark. After floating for a day, we were finally allowed to land at the shore near Minglalar Gyi village at approximately 9:00 AM. Now, we are being held in the homes of the Arakan Army’s human trafficking network in Minglalar Gyi village.”

Describing their current situation, the victim said, “We have been starving since November 16. We are not being provided with food or any care and are being held as detainees.”

The plight of these Rohingyas sheds light on the harsh realities of human trafficking networks and the dire need for international intervention to protect vulnerable communities.

Rohingya Vision News