Rohingya Facing Dire Conditions After fleeing Bangladesh

Rohingya refugees from northern Arakan State who recently arrived at Cox’s Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh are facing severe hardships, including insufficient food and inadequate shelter.

Mohammad Saber’s family, who fled the Arakan Army’s (AA) brutality in Maungdaw Township, arrived at Camp No. 26 on August 5. They are currently staying with a relative, Jamir Ahmad, who had escaped to Bangladesh in 2017. Jamir Ahmad’s family of seven is now sharing their makeshift shelter under a tarpaulin tent with Saber’s family, resulting in 18 people crammed into a small space.

“We cannot support them with the monthly distribution from UN agencies,” said Jamir Ahmad. “They are here because of the AA’s attacks in Myanmar, and we need to protect them during this difficult time.”

He added, “We are not allowed to work outside for a living. Our only means of survival is the food provided by UN agencies.”

Kamal Hussain, Chairman of the Representative Committee of Burmese Nationalities Who Have Been Forcefully Displaced (FDMN-RC), accused the AA of committing atrocities against the Rohingya, including killing women, raping, and burning homes. He also claimed that the Myanmar military is similarly committing atrocities, working to drive the Rohingya from their homeland.

“According to Kamal, around 50,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh in recent months, with most arriving after the attacks on August 4.”

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), Mohammad Mizan Rahman, emphasized Bangladesh’s official position to prevent further illegal entry of Myanmar nationals. However, due to the ongoing instability in Myanmar, a significant number of Rohingya refugees have recently arrived in the camps, particularly after the attacks in early August. Rahman estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 new refugees had entered Bangladesh.

UNHCR Communications Officer Shariat Min Nojman added, “The border between Bangladesh and Myanmar is officially closed, and we are closely monitoring the situation under the surveillance of the Bangladesh Border Guard. We urge authorities to provide assistance to civilians fleeing the conflict in Myanmar.”

Rohingya Vision News