Border News Agency
Cox’s Bazar – July 28, 2025

A group of 20 Rohingya refugees, including women and a child, took shelter on the northern coast of St. Martin’s Island in Bangladesh on Friday morning after fleeing violence in western Myanmar, local authorities confirmed.

The group reportedly crossed the rough Bay of Bengal by boat and landed around 11:00 AM. Local residents alerted law enforcement and administrative officials shortly after their arrival.

“They fled the ongoing conflict between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army in Rakhine State,” said Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Teknaf. “Upon their arrival, we arranged emergency food and shelter through the local Union Parishad and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).”

Of the 20 people, 16 are men, 3 are women, and one is a child. They are currently being kept under the supervision of BGB and have been provided temporary shelter in a local hotel. The local Union Parishad also arranged breakfast and lunch for the group, authorities added.

Foyezul Islam, acting Chairman of the Union Parishad, noted that the Rohingya had no intention of staying in St. Martin’s but were forced to land due to bad weather and high waves at sea.

It remains uncertain whether the group will be allowed to stay in Bangladesh or be sent back once conditions permit. Authorities are monitoring the situation and will consult relevant departments before making a final decision.

This incident adds to the growing influx of Rohingya fleeing intensified fighting in Rakhine. According to the UN, over 150,000 people have been newly displaced from Myanmar to Bangladesh in the past 18 months.