The sound of explosions and gunfire from Myanmar’s Rakhine border near Teknaf have caused widespread panic among residents in the bordering areas of Bangladesh.
The powerful blasts and gunshots shook homes and spread fear across the region.
Reports confirm that the explosions began on Thursday night and continued intermittently on Friday, with the sounds primarily coming from across the border in Rakhine region, near the Whykong point in Teknaf.
Residents along the border shared their concerns about the ongoing disturbances. Mohammad Salimullah, a resident of Whykong, said, “After hearing several rounds of gunfire on Thursday night, I couldn’t sleep out of fear. The shots were coming from very close to the Rakhine-Whykong border.”
Fisherman Ahmed Ullah also expressed his anxiety, “Explosions and gunfire are common here, and it’s terrifying. I am afraid to go fishing in the Naf River or visit the shrimp farms. Even at home, the fear never leaves my mind.”
On Thursday evening, Mohammad Alamgir, a fisherman, was shot while fishing in the Naf River near Whykong. This incident is just one of several instances where explosions and gunfire have caused panic among the local population.
Union Parishad (UP) member Serajul Mustafa Lalu, from Whykong, confirmed that the explosions and gunfire continued into Friday. “Since 10am today, the blasts and gunfire from the Rakhine border have been shaking houses here. The explosions are intermittent but very powerful.”
Around 11am, several strong explosions shook the area, followed by continuous gunfire. Serajul also reported hearing gunfire on Thursday night and learned that Alamgir had been injured in the shooting.
“People are too scared to leave their homes,” he added. “In the past, gunfire from the Rakhine border has even crossed over to our side, injuring people.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Zahidul Islam, commander of the 64th Battalion of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Ukhiya, confirmed that the explosions and gunfire were linked to ongoing clashes between Myanmar’s Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups along the Naf River.
He explained, “Clashes are taking place between the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups in areas such as Hossers Island, Bilaitchar Island, and Totar Island, and the sounds of these clashes are reaching the Bangladeshi side.”
Regarding the shooting incident involving fisherman Alamgir, Lt Col Zahidul Islam confirmed that after the attack, security patrols in the area were intensified. “The situation is now under control. However, fishermen have been advised not to go into the Naf River, and local residents have been urged to remain vigilant,” he added.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Enamul Hafiz Nadeem also confirmed the incident, stating, “I’ve heard about the situation and have advised the border residents to remain safe.”
This latest escalation follows a pattern of violence linked to Myanmar’s ongoing conflict in Rakhine State.
On December 27, explosions and gunfire were heard in Ukhiya, Teknaf, and Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari areas, due to clashes between Myanmar’s Arakan Army and armed groups in the region.
