More Rohingyas entering for migration bid

Influx of Rohingyas into the country through the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Ukhiya upazila has seen a sudden rise after Saudi Arabia reopened its labour market to Bangladeshis, according to officials of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).  

In the first two months of this year, BGB had to push back some 2,500 Rohinghyas to Myanmar along the 76-km stretch of the border in the upazila while 5,000 Rohinghyas were pushed back in the whole of last year. 

Talking to the news agency, Lt Col Saiful Islam Khan, commanding officer of Cox's Bazar BGB Battalion-17, said aided by a local human trafficking cartel, Rohingyas are taking their chances to enter Bangladesh in a bid to migrate to Saudi Arabia posing as Bangladesh nationals.   

On February 1, the Saudi government reopened its manpower market for Bangladeshi jobseekers lifting the long seven-year ban, which is expected to boost manpower export to the Gulf country.

Meanwhile, BGB members yesterday detained 108 Rohingyas by intercepting three jeeps on the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf highway in Ukhiya.

A clash also broke out between BGB personnel and members of the cartel leaving a BGB member bullet injured. 

A case was filed in this connection.