Over 118,000 Rohingya Flee to Bangladesh Amid Escalating Violence in Myanmar

An estimated 118,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh in the past year, fleeing escalating violence, armed conflict, and severe shortages of food and medicine in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, Prothomalo English reported citing the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC). Registration of the new arrivals, primarily crossing during June-July 2024, was completed on 1 May in camps across Ukhia and Teknaf.

The influx stems from clashes between the Arakan Army and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), with refugees reporting torture, forced evictions, and extortion at the border. Abdul Gafur, a recent arrival at Shalban camp, described Arakan Army raids accusing Rohingya civilians of aiding ARSA. Over 1.3 million Rohingya now reside in 33 camps, including 800,000 who fled after the 2017 crackdown.

Crossings occur through 22 border points, often at night when patrols ease. While authorities claim tightened security, refugees continue arriving via perilous sea routes to Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram. On Saturday, 35 Rohingya were arrested in Patenga after a boat landing.

Despite food aid, housing remains unallocated for new arrivals. Experts warn continued violence in Rakhine will prolong the crisis, with repatriation efforts stalled for eight years.