Intrusion must be prevented

The shelter of a large number of Rohingya groups in Bangladesh and the crisis surrounding them has already become a poison. On top of that, the new Rohingya infiltration is by no means a comforting news.

According to reports published in multiple medias on Monday, Rohingya infiltration has started again through various border points of Teknaf and Ukhiya in Cox's Bazar and Naikhongchhari in Bandarban. Violence has escalated in the country's bordering Rakhine state as clashes between Myanmar's military junta and the Arakan Army rebel group escalate. As a result, more than 12,000 more Rohingyas entered in the last few days. Apart from this, more than 50,000 Rohingyas are staying at the border. If they get a chance, they will also be infiltrated. And the organized brokers of Bangladesh and Myanmar are as active as ever in the illegal activities of border crossing.

There is no doubt that the influx of Rohingyas into the country at various times and their stay is leading Bangladesh to a chronic crisis. In addition to diplomatic and legal processes, there have been discussions with Myanmar at various times to resolve this crisis. At the end of 2017, the government of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi agreed to take back the Rohingyas in the face of international pressure. The country signed a bilateral agreement with Bangladesh in September that year. But in 2019, that attempt failed. The initiative was taken by China in April 2023. Although it progressed a bit, the process stopped due to the ongoing war with the Arakan Army and the Myanmar junta government. At that time, the United Nations said that the country's current situation was not suitable for Rohingya repatriation.

As a result, the Rohingya issue has now become a long-term crisis. On August 25, 2017, millions of Rohingya started fleeing to Bangladesh after being subjected to violent attacks in Myanmar's Rakhine state. As many as eight lakh people came within a few weeks. In total, there are now about 1.2 million Rohingya shelters in the country. According to humanitarian reasons and diplomats at the time, they were granted asylum under international pressure. Today they have become one of the most dangerous problems in the country. Repatriation was not possible; In addition to their livelihood challenges, violence, murders, drugs are now commonplace in the camps.

There is no doubt that their new entry will further complicate the crisis. The responsibility of the interim government is to manage the country in a completely changed situation at the moment. The new government now has a huge challenge. Preventing Rohingya infiltration has a new responsibility in the process of tackling multi-faceted challenges in state reform. Meanwhile, foreign advisers, including the new government's chief adviser, have announced their tough stance on curbing infiltration. This is undoubtedly a positive aspect.

We feel that there is no alternative to repatriate the large number of Rohingyas as soon as possible. This is the permanent solution.

For this reason, an urgent multifaceted diplomatic effort from Bangladesh is necessary, which is not an easy task at the moment. Because the internal situation of Myanmar has created complications in this matter. On the other hand, the torture and persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar is definitely a violation of human rights. There is a need for the international community to speak earnestly to stop the brutality in Myanmar and repatriate the Rohingyas from Bangladesh.

In this regard, the real task is to continue our strong diplomatic activities. Apart from this, the patrols of the administration should be increased along with intelligence surveillance to eliminate any kind of gangs that are active in infiltrating the border.