Clash between Bangladesh and Myanmar terrifies the locals

Tense escalation of hostilities broke out on the Bangladesh-Meghalaya border, causing fear among residents and causing bullets to be fired across the border

In a tense escalation of hostilities on Sunday, violence broke out in the area of the Bangladesh- Myanmar border, frightening the residents who reported firing of bullets across the border. Locals reported medics caring for patients, and the Myanmar government admitted that guards had sought shelter, deepening worries over the spread of the conflict.

The humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) revealed that after the border clash, its medical staff in Cox’s Bazar were overrun with a huge number of patients. On Sunday night, 17 persons were admitted to Kutupalong Hospital; however, no other details regarding their injuries or nationality were given.

At least 14 border officers from Myanmar’s Rakhine state entered Bangladeshi territory, according to Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who justified their actions as self-defense against invading rebel groups, namely the Arakan Army (AA). However, contradicting reports from Channel 24 in Bangladesh suggested that at least 66 officers—10 of whom had bullet wounds—were in need of refuge.

Minister Khan declared, “The Arakan Army has taken many areas of Rakhine state in succession.”Our information indicates that they are proceeding.”

Since the AA fighters broke the peace that had largely been maintained since the coup in 2021, there have been frequent confrontations in the areas bordering India and Bangladesh even though China negotiated a ceasefire that an alliance, including AA militants, established, violence still occurs close to Bangladesh and India’s borders.

People have been living in fear; stray bullets have injured a number of Bangladeshi villagers living adjacent to the border. A villager, Khairul Bashar, narrated sleepless nights in fear, showing the vulnerable position. The horrifying story of homes getting sprayed by bullets and the terror of a bomb blast in the adjacent house was shared by Rahima Begum who had fled her village because of the gunfire not too far off.

There is concern, on both sides of the border, for people affected by the violence and MSF is closely monitoring the situation. Bangladesh has reacted by strengthening its border security and hinted at getting in touch with Myanmar to repatriate the guards. Minister Khan stated, “Anyone who enters our boundary, we will arrest and deliver him to Myanmar.”

Source: AFP