Bangladesh urged to open ports to allow in Rohingya refugee boats

More than 500 stranded on trawlers in what UN calls 'human tragedy of terrible proportions'

The Bangladeshi government has been urged to open its ports and allow two boats carrying hundreds of Rohingya refugees to come ashore so that they can be given urgent medical care, food and water.

It is believed more than 500 people, including children, are onboard the stranded trawlers, which were recently seen in the Bay of Bengal but have reportedly returned to the high seas.

Last week, Bangladesh's foreign minister, Abdul Momen, said the boats would not be allowed entry, adding: "Bangladesh is always asked to take care of the responsibility of other countries."