Cross-Border Tensions Rise As Gunshots Heard Near Teknaf

Despite a day of relative calm, yesterday evening (February 8th), gunfire was reported across the border areas, sparking fear among local residents.

In the morning, locals at Ukhiya's Palongkhali observed a grenade near Anjuman Para and promptly informed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Later in the afternoon, the grenade was safely recovered by the BGB.

Meanwhile, children playing in Noyapara, another border area, stumbled upon a mortar shell.

Residents reported that although gunfire was not heard throughout the day, several gunshots were heard across the border into Myanmar in the evening. This prompted anxiety among the general populace.

They further stated that due to the prevailing tension, they are unable to venture out into the border areas and are experiencing heightened fear. While they can hear gunshots during the night and early morning, there were no sounds of gunfire throughout the day.

The Upazila Chairman of Ukhiya Palongkhali, Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, mentioned that no gunfire was heard throughout the day. However, a sense of fear prevails among the residents of the border areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Al Ashrafi, Commanding Officer of Cox's Bazar-34 BGB, stated that after Thursday afternoon, 100 Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) members took refuge at Nilapara High School in Teknaf. Additionally, two more Myanmar BGP members sought refuge on the Bangladesh side through the Ulubonia border on Thursday evening. So far, Bangladesh has provided refuge to 330 Myanmar Border Guard Police members.