Loud explosions have been heard once again along the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, from Myanmar’s Rakhine State after nearly two months.
Around 11:30pm on Friday, residents in Teknaf’s Sabrang border and surrounding areas reported hearing powerful blasts from across the border, triggering panic among locals.
Reports indicate that intense clashes have resumed between Myanmar’s military (junta government) and the Arakan Army (AA) after a period of relative calm.
On December 7, 2024, following 11 months of fierce fighting, the Arakan Army seized control of a 270 kilometer stretch in Myanmar’s Maungdaw Township. However, conflict has reignited, with the sound of shelling and gunfire once again reaching the Bangladeshi side.
Mohammad Islam, a resident near the Teknaf municipal border, described the impact: “Our houses shake whenever explosions occur across the border. Around 11:30 PM on Friday, the blasts were so intense that our homes trembled, leaving everyone terrified.”
Md Jasim, a teacher at Shah Porir Dwip Boro Madrasa, shared a similar experience: “The sudden sound of mortar shell explosions woke me up after a long time. We are living in fear. Ramadan starts tomorrow (Sunday), and now it seems we won’t even be able to sleep at night after fasting all day.”
Abdus Salam, a member of the Sabrang Union Parishad, confirmed that locals reported hearing gunfire from Rakhine, saying: “The border, which had been quiet for some time, is becoming unstable again.”
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin acknowledged the situation: “I heard two loud explosions myself, and they shook the border area. After a long pause, these blasts are being heard again. We are closely monitoring the situation through our security forces.”
So far, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard have not issued any official statements.
