Teknaf, Jan 10 (V7N) — Residents of the Hoikyang border area in Teknaf upazila are living in fear as continuous loud explosions and gunfire have been heard from across the border in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The powerful sounds have caused houses in nearby Bangladeshi villages to shake, spreading panic among people living along the frontier.

According to local sources, intermittent explosions and gunfire began late Thursday night, January 8, in the Rakhine State areas adjacent to the Hoikyang border. The intensity escalated after 10:00 am on Friday. Around 11:00 am, residents reported hearing three to four consecutive powerful bomb explosions, followed by sporadic gunfire continuing until Friday evening.

Local resident Md Salimullah said he heard multiple rounds of gunfire on Thursday night and could not sleep out of fear, worrying that bullets might cross into Bangladesh at any moment. Another resident, Dildar Samad Khan, said the sound of heavy gunfire was coming from very close to the Rakhine border.

Local fisherman Ahmed Ullah said such gunfire and explosions near the border have become frequent in recent times.

On Thursday evening, a fisherman named Md Alamgir was shot while fishing in the Naf River near the Hoikyang border. Locals claimed he was hit by a bullet fired from across the border. Family sources said he is currently receiving treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.

Hoikyang Union Parishad Ward No. 2 member Sirajul Mostafa Lalu said that since Friday morning, the explosions and gunfire from across the border have been strong enough to shake houses on the Bangladeshi side. He confirmed that loud bomb blasts were heard around 11:00 am and that gunfire continues intermittently.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Inamul Hafiz Nadim said the administration is aware of the gunfire near the border. He added that residents of border areas have been advised to remain cautious and that the situation is being monitored closely.

Local residents have demanded increased patrols by the Border Guard Bangladesh along the frontier and swift diplomatic engagement with Myanmar authorities to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of people living in the border areas.

END/SIC/SMA/