BGB detains 5 Rohingyas after push-in from India

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained five Rohingyas -- members of the same family -- at Bhurungamari border in Kurigram on May 7 after they were pushed into Bangladesh from India.

The family had been living in Matia Refugee Camp in Assam, India, and said that they were forcibly sent to Bangladesh by members of India's Border Security Force (BSF).

Subedar Ayub Hossain, commander of Sonahat Company Camp under Kurigram 22 BGB Battalion, told The Daily Star this afternoon that acting on information from locals, a patrol team detained the five Rohingyas at Notunhat Bazar in Bhawalkuri border area of Char Bhurungamari union at dawn on May 7.

"During preliminary questioning, the Rohingyas said the Indian BSF forcibly sent them across the border," he said.

"We recovered UNHCR cards issued in the name of the detained individuals from Matia Refugee Camp in Assam. They are currently in BGB custody and higher authorities have been informed. Further action will be taken based on their decision."

The detainees were identified as Mamid Ulah, 44; his wife Romana Begum, 35; and their three children, aged 20, 15, and 13. The family hails from the Kwayingdong area of Buthidaung district in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

According to the UNHCR cards recovered, they were registered as refugees in New Delhi on April 24, 2024.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Romana said they had fled Myanmar due to violence and took refuge in the Matia camp in Assam. She alleged that unknown individuals picked them up from the camp around noon on May 6.

"They put us in a vehicle and blindfolded us. After a long drive, we were dropped off and told to walk forward. Eventually, we found ourselves in a village, spoke to locals, and learned we were in Bangladesh. Later, the BGB came and detained us," she said.

Romana also said her husband is hearing-impaired and used to catch fish in Myanmar to support the family. Their house was burnt down during violence, prompting them to flee to India.

"We don't want to go back to the refugee camp in India. If we do, they will kill us. We want to stay in a Rohingya camp in Bangladesh," she said.

Subedar Ayub Hossain said a letter has been sent to the BSF protesting the illegal push-in of the Rohingyas.

"We have increased surveillance and patrolling along the border to prevent further push-ins," he added.