Intermittent gunfire was heard from across the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Rakhine State from Monday night until early Tuesday, causing panic among residents living near the border.
According to local residents, several loud bursts of gunfire were heard from around 11pm on Monday until early Tuesday near fish farms in Nappura and Korer Dwip, opposite the Hnila border.
The identities of those involved in the shooting could not immediately be confirmed.
The Myanmar side of the border has a presence of the Arakan Army and several armed Rohingya groups.
Hossain Ali, a resident of Hnila, said he heard repeated gunfire from around 11pm until dawn.
“We heard loud bursts of gunfire coming from the fish-farm area on the Myanmar side. We were frightened. Later, we learned that the shooting had taken place inside Myanmar,” he said.
Another resident, Nazrul Islam, said the sound of gunfire continued intermittently throughout the night from the areas near Nappura and Korer Dwip, creating panic among border residents.
Lieutenant Colonel Zahirul Islam, commander of Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB), said the force had learned that two groups were exchanging fire inside Myanmar.
“It could be a clash between criminal groups or an exchange of fire between the Arakan Army and a criminal group. We cannot confirm the exact details,” he said.
He said several people also tried to enter Bangladesh by boat from the Korer Dwip area on the Myanmar side, apparently fearing for their lives.
“BGB opened fire, preventing them from entering Bangladesh,” he said, adding that security and surveillance along the border had been tightened to prevent unauthorised entry.
Border sources said the Arakan Army and several armed Rohingya groups have been engaged in a prolonged conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The fighting has periodically affected areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
Residents of border areas in Teknaf, Ukhiya and Naikhongchhari occasionally hear gunfire, explosions and other sounds linked to activities by armed groups across the border.
BGB has strengthened patrols and surveillance in Hnila and nearby areas amid the heightened border situation, officials said.
