Nearly 65,000 Rohingya have entered Bangladesh since late 2023

Since late 2023, nearly 65,000 Rohingya have entered southeastern Bangladesh due to unrest in Rakhine State, Myanmar, RFA reported. This influx, documented from November 2023 to December 2024, adds to the existing population of over 1 million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, where many have lived for at least seven years.

Bangladeshi authorities plan to collect biometric data from approximately 64,700 newcomers, despite previous government restrictions on refugee entries. A transitional government, in place since August 2024, is set to begin this biometric identification process next month, although concerns persist regarding the potential sharing of this data with Myanmar’s junta.

The deteriorating situation in Rakhine, including the takeover of Maungdaw township by the Arakan Army, has prompted fears of further refugee spikes. Reports indicate that many Rohingya are being captured and forced to fight in Myanmar’s civil conflict. Smugglers are reportedly charging hefty fees for crossing into Bangladesh, with bribes ranging from Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000 (approximately $166 to $200).

Bangladeshi officials are closely monitoring border areas amid the ongoing unrest.