20 Rohingyas take shelter in St Martin's after fleeing Myanmar
The trawler arrived at the island’s northern beach around 11am, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin told The Business Standard.
A group of 20 Rohingya, including women and a child, sought refuge on the shores of St Martin's Island today (25 July) after their trawler was forced to land due to rough sea conditions.
The trawler arrived at the island's northern beach around 11am, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin told The Business Standard.
"Through local representatives, we were informed of the incident in the morning," the UNO said. "The district administration has already been notified, and local law enforcement agencies are currently handling the matter."
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St Martin's Union Parishad acting chairman Foyezul Islam said, "Due to rough sea conditions, they took refuge on the island to save their lives. The group may be sent back to Myanmar once weather conditions improve."
Foyezul said the group was attempting to flee Myanmar due to ongoing conflict between the junta and the Arakan Army.
"Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh [BGB] arrived at the scene and arranged temporary shelter for the group in a hotel room, where they were provided breakfast and lunch by the union parishad. They are currently under the custody of the BGB," he added.
Attempts to contact officials from the St Martin Coast Guard and BGB for comment were unsuccessful.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 150,000 new Rohingya refugees have entered Bangladesh over the past 18 months due to the conflict in Myanmar.
