Rohingya refugees cross the Naf River at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Palong Khali, near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh on November 1, 2017 | Reuters
Five other young men, aged 17 to 20, made it to the island with him. They were Aman Ullah, Belal Uddin, Rabiul Hasan, Md Sadek and Abdul Karim. Abdul said: “We left our village over a month ago and stayed on Daungkhali Char for the past 11 days. There were some international NGOs there who provided relief – food and essential supplies. However, recently the supplies have stopped and hunger has made life difficult.” They explained that before making their journey, their Rohingya elders had asked them to let the women and children cross the river first and to wait their turn. But due to dire circumstances and lack of food, they decided to risk it all with only faith in their hearts.
Rohingya refugees continue their journey after crossing the Myanmar-Bangladesh border in Palong Khali, Bangladesh, November 1, 2017 | Reuters
At least 14,000 Rohingyas from Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung townships are currently waiting at Daungkhali Char for the past two weeks. Sadek said: “We had the chance to speak to those who had made it before us over the phone and that is how we got the idea to use jerry cans to cross the river.” Lt Col Khalid Hasan, ad-hoc regional director of operation of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), said: “These young men have fought fierce conditions. Once our soldiers saw them at the river banks, they began rescue operations. They are all right now and are being given food and medicine. Once they are rested and able, they will be sent to the refugee camps.”
Rohingya refugees walk after crossing the Naf River at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Palong Khali, near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh on November 1, 2017 | Reuters
On November 3, a total of 19 Rohingya children crossed the Naf River from Daungkhali Char to Shah Porir Dwip in broad daylight. On November 2, four more youngsters managed to make their way to the island. With this Saturday’s rescue, a total of 51 young people have made their way to Bangladesh from Myanmar and they all came using jerry cans. So far, approximately 200 people have been killed by the attempt to cross Naf River from Myanmar. According to the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commission, about 621,000 Rohingyas have so far entered Bangladesh since August 25.