65 citizens from Myanmar's tribal communities enter Bangladesh illegally

As many as 65 citizens from the tribal communities of Myanmar entered Bangladesh illegally through the Baishfari border in the Ghumdhum union of Bandarban's Naikhongchhari upazila today (18 November). 

They are currently gathered around the Hindu Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar's Kutupalong, said Zarin Tasnim, the acting upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) and assistant commissioner (land) of Ukhiya.

She said these 65 citizens from Myanmar, who entered Bangladesh illegally this morning, include people from the Chakma and Tanchangya communities. 

"The matter has been reported to the higher authorities. The government's decision regarding this issue will be announced later," she added. 

The individuals who crossed the border to flee from Myanmar said the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine has become uninhabitable due to conflicts. 

They said they fled to this side to save their lives. These Myanmar citizens' primary source of income was farming and shifting cultivation [jhum] there.

"The Myanmar citizens who gathered around the Rohingya camp are being provided security by the Border Guard Bangladesh [BGB] as well as the police. Discussions are underway between the upazila administration and BGB to make a decision on the matter," said Mohammad Arif Hossain, officer-in-charge of Ukhiya Police Station. 

Acknowledging receiving information about the infiltration, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Mashruki, commander of the 34th Battalion of BGB, said they are trying to gather detailed information.

"We will give the exact number of individuals who illegally crossed the border later," he added.