As many as 58 Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) personnel have fled and taken refuge under the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) in the border areas being unable to survive due to heavy fighting with rebel Arakan Army.
They entered Bangladesh through Ghumdhum-Tumbru border of Naikhongchhari in Bandarban and Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar early Sunday.
Massive exchange of fire and bombardment continued between the rebel Arkan Army and Myanmar Junta in Tumbru Right Camp and Decubunya Camp on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border since Saturday night.
Meanwhile, bullets from the Myanmar side were also falling in Bangladesh side leaving at least three Bangladeshis injured.
Several bullets and mortar shell fragments have landed in the territory of Bangladesh in Tumbru’s Konar Para, Majher Para and Bazar Para.
The border situation remains tense, prompting around 3,000 residents from two villages along the Tumbru border in Bandarban to seek refuge elsewhere.
In the circumstance, five government primary schools have been closed for an indefinite period as part of cautionary measures.
The sound of mortar shells and gunfire continues along the outskirts of Myanmar near the Ghumdum border area, causing extreme panic among the locals. Many have spent sleepless nights at home in fear.
Shafiqul Islam, a member of Ghumdum Union Parishad ward no 2, in Naikhongchhari confirmed the matter.
48 BGP personnel have taken shelter in Tumbru Government Primary School and 10 injured BGP personnel are undergoing treatment at MSF Hospital at Ukhiya in Coxs Bazar. Their weapons and ammunition have been surrendered to the BGB.
Locals said that more than 30 more BGP members are stationed on the border route to enter Bangladesh.
Since Sunday morning, the sound of gunfire has been heard intermittently across the border of Naikhongchhari and Ukhiya.
All the shops in the border area are closed. Some houses in Konar para were damaged.
The injured were identified as Pravindra Dhar, Rahima Begum, Shamshul Alam.
Rupla Dhar, a resident of Tumbru area, said that the sound of heavy gunfire had been heard since dawn. Everyone in the family are passing sleepless pillow. There is a lot of fear, we don’t know what will happen any time now.
She also said “I heard a rocket lancer exploded on a house next to us. I am afraid to go out for this incident.”
Jahangir Aziz, Chairman of Ghumdhum Union, said that there has been massive shelling inside the Myanmar border since Sunday morning. Our Ghumdhum-Tumbru border area is shaking with loud noise. Residents are asked not to leave their homes unnecessarily.
Myanmar’s BGP members have crossed the Tumbru border and taken refuge in Bangladesh, he added.
Bandarban District Education Officer Muhammad Faridul Alam Hossaini said that Mishkatun Nabi Dakhil Madrasah, which is 100 yards away from the border, will be closed due to the increase in border tension.
District Primary Education Officer Abdul Mannan said that since Sunday morning, due to the increase in shelling inside the border area of Myanmar, Baish Fari Government Primary School, Vaja Banya Government Primary School, Tumbru Government Primary School, Paschim Kul Tumbru Government Primary School and Dakkhin Gumdhum Government Primary School in the border area have been temporarily closed.
Apart from heavy shelling since 3:00 am, extensive gunfire and explosive rocket launcher fire have continued.
According to various sources on the border, the rebel group Arakan Army, has captured almost all the camps of Myanmar’s ruling junta forces on the side of the border of Naikhongchhari in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine.
Myanmar’s Tumbru Right camp is surrounded by the rebel group Arkan Army and the border observation post was captured by Arkan Army on Saturday night.
Jahangir Aziz, UP Chairman of Ghumdhum Union, said that some members of Myanmar’s BGP crossed the Tumbru border and took shelter in Bangladesh. To avoid any untoward incident, the schools on the border have been instructed to remain closed for the time being.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) has increased security at the border. Patrolling has been increased by increasing the number of security posts. BGB is on high alert.
Teknaf Battalion (BGB-2) Captain Lt Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said “We are on heightened alert near the border. No further intrusions will be allowed in any way.”
Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban Shah Mujahid Uddin said that maximum measures have been taken by the administration to prevent untoward incidents from happening at the border.
Local public representatives and administration officials have been instructed to keep an eye on the border.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the process to send back 14 Border Guard Police (BGP) of Myanmar are underway who fled their country due to heavy gunfights there.
“They are now in the custody of the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) and a process is underway to send them back to Myanmar through foreign ministry, but none should come here,” he told the journalists at his ministry office at Bangladesh Secretariat.
Mentionable that there is a fierce conflict between the Myanmar Army and the rebel Arakan Army. Due to this clash, tension has been going on for more than a week on the border of Ghumdhum and Tumbru in Naikhongchhari of Bandarban.
Local UP member Dil Mohammad said that thousands of people from three villages have left their homes and taken shelter elsewhere since last night.