Photo : Collected
Intense conflict continues between the junta-backed forces and the armed Arakan Army in Myanmar's Rakhine State. For the past week, bomb explosions and gunfire have persisted as both forces fight for control over Maungdaw and surrounding areas in Rakhine. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties among Rohingya and ordinary civilians in the area.
Amidst the conflicted situation in Rakhine, a section of Rohingya continues to attempt infiltration into Bangladesh. There have also been incidents of Rohingya boats sinking while attempting the risky sea crossing. In the past five days, 47 Rohingya bodies have been recovered from the sea coast of Teknaf.
In response to the tense situation in Rakhine, additional BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) patrols have been intensified along the Bangladesh border.
Abul Ali, a resident of Teknaf municipality, said, “For the past week, we've been hearing loud sounds of bomb explosions and gunfire from across the border in Rakhine. Occasionally, the deafening noise of bombs and mortars shakes our houses on this side. Local fishermen are afraid to go fishing in the Naf River. People in the area are very frightened.”
Meanwhile, in the ongoing situation in Rakhine over the past month, hundreds of Rohingya civilians have been killed in Maungdaw city and its adjacent areas. Many families have left their homes and are living in inhumane conditions under the open sky on the chars (river islands) across the Naf River. They are becoming increasingly vulnerable there. Last week, a section of Rohingya attempted to infiltrate Bangladesh, taking risks. While many were turned back by BGB and Coast Guard barriers, some boats carrying Rohingya managed to reach the Bangladesh coast via the Bay of Bengal, evading border administration's notice. However, during that time, three boats carrying Rohingya met with accidents at sea, leaving over a hundred Rohingya missing. Among them, 47 Rohingya bodies have washed ashore in Teknaf Sadar, Baharchara, and Shahporir Dwip coast over the past five days.
Jasim Uddin, a resident of the Shahporir Dwip jetty area, said, “Bodies of 34 Rohingya have washed up at four points on the island over the past five days. With the help of local BGB, we recovered the bodies and conducted their funeral and burial following religious customs. Most of the bodies were of women and children.”
In response to the internal conflict situation in Rakhine, BGB has intensified additional patrols along the 71-kilometre border from Whaikyang to St. Martin's in Teknaf. Apart from the land border, BGB maintains round-the-clock patrols on the Naf River with two speedboats and a wooden boat. They have also increased patrols on Marine Drive. Additionally, Coast Guard patrols have been strengthened in the Naf River's waters.
Lieutenant Colonel Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Commander of Teknaf 2 BGB, said that Myanmar's conflict is their internal matter. However, in light of the situation there, BGB patrols have been increased at the border to deal with potential scenarios. BGB is constantly prepared on water and land to prevent Rohingya infiltration and drug smuggling.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Adnan Chowdhury said that sounds of gunfire, mortar shells, and bombs have been heard from Myanmar's Rakhine for the past few days. There are also reports of Rohingya attempting to infiltrate Bangladesh. However, BGB and Coast Guard members maintain a strict position in the Naf River and maritime boundary.
Messenger/Fameema
