Teknaf, Bangladesh:  Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), the Bangladesh border security force in Teknaf has been making lists of Rohingya people, who are Burmese nationals in Teknaf union in Bangladesh since June 4, said locals.

On the directions of Lt. Col Muzammmel Haque of BDR Battalion No.42 in Teknaf, some BDR personnel have been taking down the names of Burmese nationals or Rohingya in Teknaf areas, residing for a long time.

Jetty for cargo and fishing boats in Teknaf

The BDR is collecting the names of Rohingyas, present address in Bangladesh, and the permanent address in Burma. The step has been taken by the BDR’s Lt. Col because of Rohingyas’  destroying the environment and the deteriorating law and order situation in  Bangladesh, where they are thought to be committing robberies among other anti-social activities, said an aide of BDR in Teknaf.

Despite BDR guarding the Burma–Bangladesh border, infiltration by Rohingyas to Bangladesh continues unabated. Recently, the Bangladesh government pushed back into Burma and sent to jail about 22,200 Rohingyas, according to the Daily Cox’s Bazaar news paper, on June 4.

“The lists of Rohingyas will be sent to all concerned government offices for information and necessary action,” said Lt. Col Haque.

Burmese goods selling in Teknaf market

Some local people requested the BDR not to make lists of the Rohingya people, who have been residing for a long time.  Some Rohingya women were married to Bangladeshi youths and some Bangladeshi women had married Rohingya youths. So, there is a strong relationship between some Bangladeshi and Rohingya people. Some local people believe it will be human rights violation of Rohingya people, if they are forcibly repatriated to Burma, said a local from Teknaf on condition of anonymity.

In Teknaf business, most of the local people depend on Maungdaw (Burma) with legally or illegally, if BDR enlist Rohingya people from border will change their business.

As a result, the Rohingya people in Bangladesh, especially in border areas are monitoring the situation.

The Bangladesh government believes that repatriation will be possible after the forthcoming elections in Burma. But, refugees believe that there will be no democracy and no political change in Burma after the polls. Burma will be ruled by the military in the guise of civilians. Names will be changed, but the men will be the same, said a businessman from Cox’s Bazaar who declined to be named.

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