A gunfight erupted between two criminal groups in the Uluchamari and Kona Para areas of Hnila Union in Teknaf on Tuesday night, triggering panic among residents in the border region of Cox’s Bazar.
Gunshots rang out from around 9:30pm as the groups led by Anwar alias Ledaiya and Jalal alias Lash Jalal clashed over establishing territorial dominance. Locals said the two sides had previously exchanged fire for an hour in the same area on 16 October.
Residents say both leaders face multiple cases, including murder, drugs, abduction and robbery, and believe control over the area is at the centre of the renewed violence.
A resident, seeking anonymity, said the groups were using modern weapons brought from Myanmar to assert dominance and maintain control over abduction and drug trades. He said no one in the area dares to speak against them, adding that Tuesday night’s gunfire continued for nearly an hour.
Locals allege the activities of the Anwar and Jalal groups have been rising steadily, and despite their growing presence, they continue to roam the area freely. They also complain that the administration has taken no action.
Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zayed Noor said they learned about the gunfight from locals and have since intensified police patrols in the area. He assured that necessary steps will be taken against those involved.
