Rohingya killed by snake bite

Teknaf, Bangladesh: A Rohingya was killed by poisonous snake bite on October 21, at night while he was in the forest of Teknaf union to cut wood, said a relative of the victim.

“The victim was identified as Mohamed Salim (35), hailed west Mosh Khali Para of Whaikong union of Teknaf uparzilar. He married a local girl and the father of three children. He is originally from Arakan State, Burma and has been living there since 20 years ago.”

On October 21, at night, the victim went to the forest of Bahar Sara, the western side of Teknaf, to cut wood with some companions from his village. Suddenly, a venomous snake bit him while they (woodcutters) were in the forest preparing for cutting wood and other companions ran away for fear of snake bite, said one of the woodcutters. 

“However, after half an hour, the companions again went to the spot to see the victim, while the victim was putting down with unconscious state. But, a few minutes later, he died on the spot. The deceased was brought to his father-in-law house by the other woodcutters.”

The next day, on October 22, in the morning, the incident was informed to the concerned authorities and the relatives were facing many difficulties while processing to get official permission to bury the dead body. 

Nevertheless, on October 23, at about 9:00 am, the dead body was buried at the local cemetery, said another relative.

“Salim was very poor and left nothing for us. How can I support my three children in future,” said the victim’s wife.

156 Malaysia voyager return back to Shapuri Dip

Teknaf, Bangladesh: A group of Malaysia voyager numbering in 156-person have returned back to the Ghat (port) of Shapuri Dip (Island), under Teknaf uparzila of Bangladesh on the mid  night of October 21, due to bad weather condition, according to a voyager.

“The returnees Malaysia voyager, both Rohingya and Bangladeshi were going into hiding to evade arrest from the concerned authorities after arriving at Shapuri Dip.”

A local villager from Shapuri Dip, quoting one of the returnees named Abdul Khader, said, “They left from Shapuri Dip Ghat, Bangladesh on October 14, with a fishing trawler. After 4 days and 4 nights, the fishing trawler was driven in the sea and took shelter near a mountain of Burma while they received storm signal (October 18) in the sea.  

“After the calm of storm in the sea, they returned back to Shapuri Dip, instead of going to Malasia continuously due to shortage ofration. When the weather is favorable, they will continue their journey to Malaysia by sea route.”

According to a friend of Malaysia sea voyager, the Dalal (agent) of the boat-people, took Taka 3,000 from each of the passenger before getting on the boat and must to pay Taka 100,000 after arrival at Malaysia.

“Local people in border areas are angry with local authorities because the boat-people will not able to go Malaysia by sea route, if the concerned authorities do not take bribes from the Dala or agent,” said a local elder from Shapuri Dip who denied to be named for the security reason.