Loud explosions reminiscent of a warzone have startled residents near the Teknaf border in Cox's Bazar as the conflict between Myanmar's government forces and insurgents rages on in Rakhine state.
Adding to the tension, 46 members of the country's security forces fled the turmoil, seeking refuge in Bangladesh through the Naikhongchhari border of Bandarban on Tuesday night.
This information was confirmed by BGB Headquarters Public Relations Officer (PRO) Shariful Islam.
Shariful said that 46 more BGP members sought refuge Tuesday night, bringing the total number seeking shelter in Bangladesh to 260. Efforts to repatriate them are underway.
Meanwhile, reports of bomb explosions and mortar shell blasts have been emerging intermittently since Wednesday morning in various areas of Rakhine municipality, including Whykong, Hnila, and Shahpari island border in Teknaf.
Additionally, local residents are alarmed by the sound of gunfire along the Marine Drive road.
Nazrul Islam, a resident of the bordering municipality area, described the situation, saying: "Since morning, there has been the sound of gunfire on the border, giving the impression that a war is taking place nearby."
Residents along the border are expressing fear due to ongoing fighting and gunfire between the Arakan Army and government forces in Myanmar's Rakhine state. The conflict has led to mortar shells and gunfire being heard in several border areas, including Uttarpara, Lombabil, Uluberia, Jimmkhali, Nayabazar, Hnila, Shahpari Island, and Jaliapara of the Teknaf border municipality.
Yasin, a resident of Shahpari Island, recounted the situation, mentioning: "People on the border have been hearing gunfire from Myanmar's Rakhine state since Wednesday morning. Law enforcement agencies are on high alert along the Naf River border."
Mohammad Alam, a UP member of Ward No. 8 of Teknaf Whykong Union Parishad, remarked on the intensity of the gunfire, saying: "Heavy gunfire has been heard on the border since morning, louder than usual."
Amidst the escalating conflict, Myanmar's army is engaging in fierce battles with the separatist organization Arakan Army in Maungdaw and Buthidaung. To address security concerns, members of BGB and Bangladesh Coast Guard have intensified patrols along the Naf River and border road in the 54km stretch from Whykong to Shahpari island of Teknaf upazila. Both agencies remain vigilant and prepared to address any emerging threats.
Coast Guard Headquarters Media Officer Lt. Commander Khandaker Munif Taqi emphasized their readiness, adding: "We are aware of some BGP members seeking refuge due to the conflict in Rakhine. However, we have bolstered patrols to prevent infiltration through the Naf River. The Coast Guard stands ready to address any situation."
Previously, during the ongoing conflict in Rakhine, 330 BGP members sought shelter in Bangladesh in February, later being officially repatriated on February 15. Additionally, on March 11, 179 Myanmar BGP members escaped through the Naikhongchhari border. Currently, 260 individuals remain in Bangladesh, with repatriation efforts ongoing.