“In the border areas of Thanchi and Tumburu in Bandarban, the jetties along the Myanmar border are now under the control of the Arakan Army. Although the gunfire has ceased there for now, intense fighting is ongoing beyond the border in Teknaf. The sound of mortars and gunfire is shaking the ground like an earthquake in the houses on the opposite side. Due to security concerns, the local residents near Shahpari Island Jetty have been prohibited from traveling, and tourism activities have been suspended by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
On Monday (February 19), heavy gunfire was reported even in the morning. The locals are spending anxious days.
Lieutenant Colonel M. Mahiuddin Ahmed, the deputy commander of Teknaf Battalion, stated that due to security concerns related to gunfire on the border, human movement has been restricted on Shahpari Island Jetty on the bank of the Naf River.
Today, gunshots can still be heard in various places along the border. However, it is mostly within Myanmar. Nevertheless, to prevent new entries through the border, we are positioned at the highest alert level.
He mentioned, “Until yesterday (February 18), we repatriated 165 Rohingyas through several border points, including Shahpari Island. Besides, residents living along the border are prohibited from roaming across the border without urgent work.”
People have reported hearing the sound of heavy gunfire along the Teknaf border since Sunday morning. However, it is mostly within Myanmar. Nevertheless, to prevent new entries through the border, we are positioned at the highest alert level.
The locals inform that since Sunday morning until Monday, heavy gunfire sounds have been heard at the borders of Hnila, Hoaikyang, and Shahpari Island on the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar.
Siddik Ahmed, the toll collector at Shahpari Island Jetty, said that the daily activities of people at the jetty were normal, with regular crossings on boats across the Naf River. However, due to the escalation of gunfire along the border, travel by local residents has been restricted for the last two days. Apart from this, a few days ago, the Teknaf-Saint Martin naval route suspended tourist ships. Those of us living near the border are significantly affected by the gunfire from the opposite side.”
