Bangladesh resists growing calls to accept more Rohingyas from Myanmar

DHAKA -- Bangladesh faces intensifying pressure to accept more Rohingya Muslims fleeing the civil war in neighboring Myanmar, a burden the government in Dhaka insists it cannot bear.

Hundreds of Rohingyas have gathered at various points along the nations' border, seeking shelter as Myanmar's military regime battles a strong resistance offensive. Mostafa Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, a spokesman in Dhaka for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, told Nikkei Asia this week: "It is vital that civilians -- children, women and men -- fleeing conflict be allowed to seek and access safety. Denying access to safety further puts them at risk."