TEKNAF: In a crackdown on Rohingya refugees attempting a perilous sea journey to Indonesia, Bangladesh authorities have intervened to prevent scores from embarking on the risky voyage. This comes as hundreds from the persecuted Rohingya minority in Myanmar seek to escape the harsh conditions of overcrowded camps in Bangladesh.
Reports suggest that some refugees paid traffickers a huge sum of $1,000 for a place on a boat, highlighting the desperation and urgency among those attempting to leave. Bangladesh is home to approximately one million Rohingya refugees, the majority of whom fled a violent crackdown by the Myanmar military in 2017, now under investigation by the United Nations for genocide.
As the seas in the Bay of Bengal calm following monsoon rains, human traffickers are taking advantage of the situation by offering berths on boats bound for Malaysia and Indonesia. The recent spike in journeys to Indonesia’s Aceh province, covering a voyage of about 1,800 kilometers, marks the largest wave of arrivals since the 2017 crackdown.
Dire Conditions of Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
Authorities in Bangladesh, particularly at the Teknaf river port near the Myanmar border, detained 58 Rohingya on Friday night as they attempted to board boats. Among those detained were men, women, and children, along with two Bangladeshi human traffickers. The refugees were reportedly ready to sail to Indonesia and Malaysia.
“We know we can die in the boat. But as we are suffering here, we have decided to go there on boats,” expressed Selim Ullah, a 22-year-old Rohingya refugee who, along with his family, was detained by police.
The deteriorating security situation in the camps, coupled with insufficient opportunities, has prompted some refugees to pay traffickers for a chance at a better life in Indonesia. Conditions in the overcrowded camps have worsened due to cuts in food aid, gang battles, and a lack of job opportunities.
Rohingya refugees face numerous challenges, including violence within the camps, robberies, and abductions. The decision to embark on a perilous sea journey is driven by a desire for improved living conditions, education, and healthcare.
Human rights organizations and experts emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of the Rohingya crisis and improving conditions in the camps to dissuade refugees from resorting to risky journeys.
