Myanmar sends back over 155 boat people to Bangladesh

The Myanmar authorities have sent back over 155 Bangladeshi nationals to Bangladesh after verification, according to the Rakhine State government Thursday.

The "boat people" were repatriated from Taung Pyao (Letwe) township through the Myanmar-Bangladesh Friendship Bridge.

Over 155 "boat people" were among those who were rescued on May 21 and 29 this year by patrolling Myanmar navy off the western coast of Maungtaw, western Rakhine state.

Arrangements are being made to repatriate the remaining persons, from the two boats rescued, to their country of origin upon completion of the verification process.

On June 8, a total of 150 persons among 200 "boat people" rescued by Myanmar navy on May 21 were sent back to Bangladesh, their country of origin.

Investigation by the Myanmar government found that some of the "boat people" had fallen victim to human trafficking rings and crime syndicates after receiving offer of work in Thailand and Malaysia from illegal job brokers.