According to SM Najmus Sakib, a journalist with Anadolu Agency, the conflict in Myanmar between the junta government and the rebel Arakan Army has pushed 60,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh in the past two months, as stated a Bangladeshi official this Sunday. This situation highlights the persistence of tensions in the region.
Bangladesh, which already hosts more than 1.2 million Rohingyas in the Cox's Bazar region, is facing a new influx of refugees. The majority of Rohingya left Myanmar following military crackdowns in August 2017. Corruption at the border, facilitating the infiltration of Rohingya in return for payments, further complicates the already tense situation.
Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor, shared details of his recent visit to Bangkok with reporters. There, an informal meeting was held with representatives from Laos, Thailand, India, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh. Hossain said: “Our principled position is to no longer allow entry of Rohingyas. » However, he acknowledged the challenges faced in this complex situation.
Clarifying that the entry of 60,000 Rohingyas had not been officially approved, Hossain stressed that the crossing was done through various uncontrolled routes. While expressing hope of avoiding new waves of arrivals, he mentioned the need for international measures to contain the migratory flow.
The meeting in Bangkok, chaired by Maris Sangiampongsa, Thai Foreign Minister, was also attended by Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe. Surrounding countries, however, are skeptical that Myanmar will return to normal, and have encouraged the resolution of internal conflicts through dialogue.
The Arakan Army's increased control of territory poses additional challenges along the border with Bangladesh. Md. Touhid Hossain recalled informing Than Swe that border management had come under the control of non-state actors, which represents a difficult problem for Bangladesh to resolve alone.
