Bangladesh intensifies border security amid surge in Rohingya refugees

Bangladesh has intensified its border security as approximately 18,000 Rohingya Muslims have recently fled to escape escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, officials in Dhaka said.

This surge is due to ongoing clashes between Myanmar’s military junta and the Arakan Army, an ethnic group from the Buddhist majority.

According to reports, many more Rohingya are waiting to cross the border, further straining Bangladesh’s capacity, which already hosts over a million Rohingya refugees in overcrowded camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Despite heightened vigilance, Bangladesh finds it challenging to manage its 271 km border with Myanmar, especially without cooperation from Myanmar’s side.