DHAKA: A gunfight between Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar and policemen left over 100 people injured in Bangladesh Thursday (Nov 18).

The clash occurred at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Bangladesh's southeast district of Cox's Bazar, 350 km away from here.

Police and witnesses said the gunfight began as the refugees, who fled Myanmar more than a decade ago to escape "military persecution", attacked a police team Thursday.

Police said camp-in-charge Mohammad Nurul Alam Chowdhury, along with police officer Mohammad Wahid, visited the camp to inspect its latest condition after the Eid vacation.

They noticed over 100 refugees holding a meeting against their repatriation to Myanmar. When police asked them not to hold the meeting illegally, the refugees allegedly attacked.

At least 85 refugees and 15 law enforcers were injured in the clash.

Witnesses said the two sides traded around 300 rounds of gunfire in the fight that lasted two hours.

Some 8,000 Rohingya refugees are waiting for repatriation at the Kutupalong camp while 12,000 are at the Nayapara camp in the district. But many of the refugees are against repatriation and want to settle in Bangladesh.

Indo-Asian News Service