37 Rohingyas detained off Ctg’s Sandwip coast after drifting at sea for 3 days

Joint forces have detained 37 Rohingya refugees from the coast of Sandwip in Chattogram after they allegedly attempted to flee the Bhasan Char camp by sea.

The group was intercepted last night (13 March) in the coastal area of Santoshpur union during a joint operation by the Bangladesh Navy and police.

According to police, local residents spotted the group around 11:30pm near Botgachhtala Ilishghat and informed authorities. Law enforcers rushed to the spot and took them into custody.

The detainees include eight men, six women and 23 children and teenagers.

During preliminary questioning, the Rohingyas told police that they had paid a broker Tk5,000 each to be transported to the Sitakunda coast.

Following the arrangement, they left the Bhasan Char camp on Tuesday (10 March) and spent the first night in a temporary parachute shelter. On Wednesday night, they were placed on a small boat that sank near the shore. They were later transferred to another boat, which ran out of fuel while still at sea.

After drifting for nearly three days, they eventually reached the Sandwip coast.

The detainees also alleged that members of the broker network used weapons during the journey to extort cash, gold ornaments and mobile phones from them.

Most of the group said they intended to travel to the Kutupalong Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar, where their relatives are staying. One woman told authorities that she planned to travel to Rangpur for personal reasons.

Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahed Noor said the detainees are currently being kept at the Santoshpur Union Parishad office, and further action will be taken in accordance with administrative procedures.