Repeated explosions and heavy gunfire from Myanmar's conflict-ridden Rakhine State rattled Bangladesh's border areas in Teknaf for the second consecutive day on Thursday, renewing security concerns among residents and prompting heightened vigilance by border authorities.
Residents of Howaikang and Hnila unions in Teknaf said powerful explosions originating from the Balibazar and Kumirkhali areas across the border shook homes during the morning hours. Although no further incidents were reported later in the day, the blasts caused panic among local communities.
The sound of the explosions also forced fishermen operating in the Naf River to abandon their work and return to shore.
"I went fishing in the Naf River early in the morning, but had to return after hearing repeated explosions from across the border," fisherman Mujibur Rahman said.
According to the Daily Sun, the fresh fighting has once again raised fears of a possible influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, prompting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard to maintain heightened surveillance along the frontier.
Lt Col Md Jahirul Islam, commanding officer of BGB's Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB), said the border force was monitoring reports of the explosions across the border and remained alert to any developments.
Security agencies have intensified patrols to prevent any unauthorized border crossings as clashes continue to escalate in Myanmar's western Rakhine State.
The latest violence comes amid ongoing fighting involving the Arakan Army, Myanmar's military, and several Rohingya armed groups. Both the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military are engaged in separate confrontations with different Rohingya factions in the region.
On Wednesday night, Myanmar's military reportedly launched 27 airstrikes on the rebel-held Maungdaw Township, while the Arakan Army responded by firing heavy anti-aircraft weapons, further intensifying the conflict near the Bangladesh border.
Sirajul Mostafa Lalu, a member of Ward No. 2 of Howaikang Union, said the latest hostilities resemble the intense fighting witnessed along the border about a year ago.
"The repeated explosions have revived fear among residents living near the border. People are worried the situation could deteriorate further," he said.
The renewed violence has heightened concerns over regional security as Bangladesh continues to closely monitor developments in neighbouring Myanmar while seeking to prevent any spillover effects from the prolonged conflict.
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