A tense situation prevailed in the Rohingya camps across Cox's Bazar on Monday as the sound of gunfire has intensified on the Myanmar side of the Naf River—close to Shapuree Dwip and Saint Martin's Island in Teknaf—since Monday morning.
There were unconfirmed reports that many young Rohingyas had gone to join the ongoing war in Myanmar, but no official statement was issued on the matter.
Fear gripped the residents of Teknaf as gunfire was heard amidst clashes and firing between the Arakan Army (AA) and the armed forces in Myanmar's Rakhine State, leading to concerns about further Rohingya infiltration through the Naf River.
The repatriation authorities say that although there is no overt impact in the camp, there is an uneasiness. Although the situation is currently calm towards Ukhiya, the fighting has moved towards Teknaf.
Asked if anyone had joined the war, a student leader of the Kutupalong camp, on condition of anonymity, said that the anger of the Rohingya people against the junta forces of Myanmar is already there. When the Rohingya organizations saw that the AA was fighting the junta with great strength, some wanted to go to war. The people in the camp hear that those who are joining the war are sent over with a week or two of training. But the people in the camp do not encourage others to go to war, he said.
When asked about the situation in the camp, a Rohingya from Balukhali camp said: "There is no problem here. But we are the people on the other side. When the fight is going on there, that flame is felt in us. There is unrest among us about how we will be treated and what the situation is there. A group of young Rohingya want to cross over and join the war. Their dream of going to war stems from anger against the junta. Whether they understand it or not, they want to be part of it. We are talking among ourselves from time to time.”
When asked whether there is any problem with exiting and entering the camp or whether they are seeing extra security or not, he said that there is not much strictness in Balukhali, but there are precautions.
“No one wants to bring things up. That is our country. It is not that there is no contact with them. When we want to return home, we believe that some bilateral communication issues will serve as elements to advance the government-level talks. However, there is surveillance inside the camp on some issues.”
Abdus Salam, UP member of Ward No. 9 of Shapuree Dwip, said: “Gunfire and mortar shelling were heard in the Shapuree Dwip area since Thursday until midnight on Saturday. The intensity of gunfire lessened on Sunday. However, on Monday morning, people heard sporadic gunfire every couple of hours, despite the calm at night. This caused fishermen to stop fishing in the Naf River, and we limited the movement of local transport vessels.”
“Fierce fighting has been ongoing between government forces and the AA in areas surrounding Maungdaw city. These areas are populated by Rohingyas who are fleeing for their lives and seeking shelter in rivers and canals near the Bangladesh border,” he continued.
“This has led to fears of further Rohingya infiltration through the Naf River,” he added.
Khorshed Alam, a UP member of Ward No. 4 of Saint Martin’s, said: “Gunfire and shelling near Saint Martin’s border stopped on Saturday, relieving panic among residents. However, passenger ship service between Teknaf and Saint Martin’s remains suspended. Two ships are operating on the Inani-Saint Martin’s route with a reduced number of passengers.”
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Adnan Chowdhury said: “The conflict is an internal issue of Myanmar. However, to prevent any problems here (in Bangladesh) due to the tumultuous situation, Border Guard Bangladesh and Coast Guard patrols have been increased. Residents of the border area have been advised to remain cautious.”