The head of the United Nations' food-assistance agency has urged the international community to step up its support for the relief operation for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

At least 15 Rohingya Muslims, including 10 children, who were fleeing from recent violence in Burma died today when their overcrowded boat capsized in rough weather, a survivor and police said.

Three boats carrying ethnic Rohingya fleeing violence in Burma have capsized in Bangladesh and 26 bodies of women and children have been recovered, officials said.

About 18,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled fresh violence in Burma and crossed into Bangladesh, with hundreds stranded in no man's land at the border, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

THOUSANDS of Burmese Muslims who have been living illegally in Bangladesh over the last decade as unlisted refugees are fighting a grim battle against starvation and disease.