Several Hundred Rohingyas Stranded Along Naf River in Myanmar

Photo: Reuter

Arakan Now  | 18 August 2025

Several hundred Rohingyas are reportedly stranded just across the Naf River opposite Teknaf, unable to enter Bangladesh due to tightened border security, according to Rohingya community leaders. They estimate that 300–400 people have gathered there, many fleeing fierce clashes in Myanmar’s Rakhine State involving the Arakan Army, Rohingya armed groups, and junta forces. Fourteen of Rakhine’s 17 townships are now under Arakan Army control.

The matter was discussed at a National Task Force meeting on Rohingya Affairs on August 17 in Dhaka, where officials confirmed that some Rohingyas have managed to cross into Bangladesh despite heavy patrols. However, Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) Mohammad Mizanur Rahman said he had no official confirmation. He acknowledged that Myanmar’s military carried out airstrikes in Maungdaw and nearby areas three days ago, worsening the situation.

Community leaders in Camp-27, Cox’s Bazar, reported that more than 300 Rohingyas are sheltering near Laldwip in Myanmar, across from Jaliya Dwip in Bangladesh. “Every day, some Rohingyas slip into the camps evading BGB patrols,” one leader said, describing families trapped between junta bombings, Arakan Army offensives, and clashes with Rohingya armed groups. He added that the Arakan Army recently detained several villagers near Maungdaw, accusing them of links with ARSA.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials said strict surveillance was preventing large-scale entry, while rough seas have blocked boat crossings. Lt Col Ashiqur Rahman, commander of Teknaf-2 Battalion, noted that some groups may be stranded across the border.

Meanwhile, Syed Alam, secretary of Rohingya rights group FDMN-RC, warned of a possible new influx if fighting intensifies, accusing the Arakan Army of committing atrocities that forced Rohingyas to flee. Clashes have also spread near the Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban.

BGB also reported detaining two people, including an alleged Arakan Army associate, near Tumbru border on Sunday. One detainee was identified as Ulai Chakma, 24, from Myanmar’s Dekubuniya village, and the other as Nayan Chakma, 30, from Rangamati. Both are being handed over to police for legal action.

Bangladesh currently hosts over 1.2 million Rohingyas in overcrowded Cox’s Bazar camps. In the last 18 months alone, another 150,000 fled into Bangladesh due to escalating conflict in Rakhine.

Source : The Daily Star