Overnight shelling in Mangdu, Teknaf border again in turmoil

The ongoing conflict between the armed insurgent group Arakan Army and the military has intensified in Maungdoo, Rakhine State, Myanmar. Heavy gunfire was heard from 11pm on Saturday and continued till early Sunday morning. This spread panic among the people of Bangladesh across the border.

Some Rohingya leaders of the Teknaf camp said on condition of anonymity that many Rohingyas are dying in the shelling from both sides. Now they have no place to go outside Bangladesh. So at any time they can come towards Bangladesh border. But those who are contacting us are not encouraged to come here.

Muhammad Quader Hossain of Chowdhurypara of Teknaf municipality said that the sound of gunfire on the other side has left him sleepless all night. The shooting continued throughout the night on Saturday. So we stayed up all night. Women and children were especially afraid.

Residents of the border. Islam said, 'We border people couldn't sleep in the fierce battle in Mongdu. Many spent the night outside their homes. The border was shaking with the sound of heavy gunfire. We ran out of the house in fear. Never heard such a gunshot before. In this situation, the border can be invaded again at any moment.'

People on the border said that Mangdu town is located south-east from Jaliapara in Teknaf municipality and east of Sabrang across the Naf river. The Khaenkhali Canal is the entrance to Maungdu city through the Naf river. Rohingyas were seen gathering at the mouth of the canal. Heavy explosions were heard in the border area. People in the border area believe that such shelling is going on to recover the area occupied by Myanmar's junta forces, the rebel Arakan Army.

Local representatives said that more than seven million Rohingyas are still living in Myanmar. Among them, 250,000 are in Butedong, Rakhine, 300,000 in Maungdoo, and the rest are in Akyab and other areas. The attack is currently taking place in Maungdu, where most of the Rohingya live. A significant part of them is trying to escape to Teknaf in Bangladesh by crossing the Naf river.

However, the attempt of Rohingyas to infiltrate the border has decreased compared to before, said the commander of Teknaf-2 battalion, Lt. Col. Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed. He said, because Myanmar-Bangladesh border is close, there is a loud noise. Due to the ongoing war there, the sound of gunfire is heard on the border. We are resisting the attempt of Rohingyas to enter the border. Reports of infiltration of large numbers of Rohingyas are fabricated. BGB members are ready to deal with any situation besides preventing border infiltration. Besides, vigilance has been increased so that criminals cannot escape across the border.

Meanwhile, explosion sounds are coming from Kharankhali, Teknaf, Municipality, Hnila, Jadimura, Damdamia, Nightongpara, Jaliapara, Nazirpara, Sabrang, Shahpari Island, Naf river estuary and Naikshyongchari border. People on the border say that after a long period of closure, Teknaf is shaking with the loud sound of mortar shell explosion.

Bangladesh /SBT