Toll from Rohingya boat capsizes hits 31 as bodies of 12 women and children are found

Locals have recovered the bodies of 12 more Rohingya – six women and six children - from the coast after boats capsized during an attempted entry from Myanmar to Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com. 

The bodies of two children and three women were recovered near the Naf River jetty on Shah Porir Dwip in Sabrang Union, the bodies of two more women and two more children were found in the Dakhinpara coast area, and the bodies of a woman and two children were found in the Pashchimpara coast area between 11am and 1pm on Wednesday, according to Teknaf UNO Md Adnan Chowdhury.

The bodies of 19 other Rohingya were recovered at different points from Teknaf’s coastal area on Tuesday.

“I heard about the bodies from local representatives and residents. Burial arrangements are being made through the representatives of the respective areas,” the UNO said.

According to locals, boats sank in two separate places during the Rohingya’s attempt to enter Bangladesh from Myanmar through the Naf River and coastal areas in the dark of night. The bodies of the men, women, and children who went missing were found floating at different points.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have entered through the Teknaf border in the last three days, according to local representatives.

Some public representatives, who did not want to reveal their names, claimed that many of the Rohingya who entered the camp through various points by boat managed to enter the camp, but BGB members detained some of them. They are currently in the custody of the BGB.

In light of the situation, border patrols and surveillance have been strengthened to prevent Rohingya infiltration, Lt Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, media officer with Coast Guard Headquarters said on Wednesday afternoon.

He said, "In view of the ongoing conflict in the neighbouring country of Myanmar, the Bangladesh Coast Guard is maintaining strict vigilance to ensure security on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border."

Patrols have been strengthened in Teknaf, Shah Porir Dwip, Baharchhara, St Martin’s Island to prevent people from taking advantage of the current situation and engaging in illegal activities.

The Coast Guard is conducting regular patrols on high-speed boats along with deploying round-the-clock patrol ships in the sea.

“The situation is being monitored round-the-clock by deploying additional manpower and equipment in Teknaf, Shah Porir Dwip, Baharchhara and St. Martin. The Bangladesh Coast Guard is fully prepared to deal with any situation and ensure public safety,” he said.