60,000 more Rohingya seek refuge in Bangladesh amid ongoing Myanmar conflict
Amid escalating conflict between the junta government and rebel Arakan Army in Myanmar, a fresh 60,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh in the last two months, a Bangladeshi official said on Sunday.
Bangladesh is already home to over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled Myanmar following a military crackdown in August 2017. The new influx of refugees has added to the strain on camps in the southeastern Cox’s Bazar region.
Corruption at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border has reportedly enabled this migration, with certain individuals facilitating Rohingya crossings in exchange for money.
Md. Touhid Hossain, a foreign affairs adviser, discussed the situation with reporters after attending an informal consultation in Bangkok on Thursday. The meeting included representatives from six countries: Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, Thailand, and Laos.
“Our official stance is to prevent further entry of Rohingya refugees. However, in some instances, the situation leaves us with no alternative. These 60,000 refugees entered through various routes, not with official permission,” Hossain explained during a press briefing in Dhaka.
Hossain expressed confidence that another large-scale influx of Rohingya was unlikely but emphasized the need for proactive measures. “We must work with the international community to prevent further waves of migration,” he added.
The Bangkok meeting, chaired by Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, was also attended by Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister U Than Swe. Delegates urged Myanmar to address its internal conflicts through dialogue with all parties involved.
Hossain noted that neighboring countries remain skeptical about Myanmar returning to a state of stability in the near future. During the meeting, the representatives emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to Myanmar’s ongoing crisis.
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