Bangladesh sends back 130 Rohingyas

Dhaka [Bangladesh]: At least 130 Rohingyas were sent back by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) as they were trying to enter the country illegally.

Trespassing at different points of the Naf River was prevented by the BGB personnel earlier on Sunday.

“We conducted a drive at two different points of the river and pushed back at least 130 Rohingyas boarded in 13 boats,” Dhaka Tribune quoted Teknaf 2 BGB Commander Lt Col Abujar Al Zahid, as saying.

Bangladesh has strengthened security along its border with Myanmar to prevent the entry of Rohingyas, who are trying to cross into its territory illegally due to violence in the Rakhine state that has claimed the lives of at least 86 people and displaced 30,000 others.

Myanmar troops launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state in response to attacks on three border posts on October 9 that killed nine police officers. Since then many Rohingya Muslims have tried to move into Bangladesh illegally.

Accusations by Rohingyas and rights groups of raping women, torching houses and killing civilians during their operations has been denied by Myanmar and the military.

Rohingyas are not recognised by Myanmar as its citizens and are called Bengali by them. (ANI)