A group of 56 indigenous people from the Chakma and Tanchangya communities crossed into Bangladesh through the Naikhongchhari Upazila border in Bandarban district, escaping ongoing conflict and violence in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The group entered Bangladesh via the Baishfari border in Ghumdhum union. It was immediately relocated to the Kutupalong Hindu Rohingya Camp, according to Zarin Tasnim, Acting Upazila Executive Officer and Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Ukhiya Upazila.

The refugees reported that escalating violence in Rakhine State had made their homeland uninhabitable. Previously reliant on farming and jhum cultivation for their livelihood, they were forced to flee for survival.

Security has been tightened at the site, with local police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel ensuring the refugees' safety. Discussions between the Upazila administration and the BGB are ongoing to determine the next steps, said Ukhiya Police Station Chief Mohammad Arif Hossain.

Lt Col Abdullah Al Mashruki, commander of the BGB’s 34th Battalion, confirmed the infiltration and noted that efforts are underway to gather more information. The total number of recent infiltrators from Myanmar may increase as updates emerge.

The crisis stems from an extended conflict between Myanmar's Arakan Army insurgents and the military. The Arakan Army now controls much of Rakhine State, exacerbating the instability. While there have been several recent attempts by Rohingya to enter Bangladesh, BGB and law enforcement have sent many back, maintaining border security.

The government is assessing the situation, and its stance on the issue will be clarified after further review, Zarin Tasnim added.