C T Online Desk: The deafening sounds of explosions coming from the Myanmar due to the continuous shelling have created a panic among the residents in the Teknaf border of Cox’s Bazar.
The border residents reported loud noises of mortar shelling and heavy artillery as well as airstrikes are coming from Maungdaw border of Myanmar.
In the latest bout between the Arakan Army and Myanmar Junta, the people living in Shapuree Dwip, Nayapara, and three points of the Teknaf Municipality have heard the deafening sounds of mortar shells and heavy artillery from Myanmar from early morning until the afternoon.
Nur Hossain, 55, a fisherman and resident of Shapuree Dwip border, pointed out the location from where the deafening sounds of shelling were coming.
He said: “I have spent more than half of my life in the Naf River, which is like a companion to us. The war in Myanmar across the river has been going on for the past six to seven months, bringing fear into our lives. The deafening sounds of shells have become a regular occurrence, and sometimes we even see warplanes. Today, we saw airstrikes again.”
Abu Taleb, a shopkeeper at the Shapuree Dwip, said that people have recently started crossing from St Martin’s Island by speed boats after a long time.
However, on Saturday, there was intense gunfire on the other side of the jetty, causing residents along the Naf River to live in fear.
“Sometimes the loud sounds of explosions make our houses shake,” Abu Taleb added.
Border resident Jalil Mia said: “We have heard the sounds of shells again from the other side. How long will this war game continue? We, the border residents, have to live in constant fear.”
Abdus Salam, a member of the Union Parishad in Shapuree Dwip, mentioned that the deafening sounds of shelling have not stopped.
He said: “Today (Saturday) we have heard the sounds of shells since morning. The people at the border have heard the loud sounds of shelling until the afternoon.”
Meanwhile, the maritime communication between St Martin’s Island and Teknaf has not yet been fully restored.
As a result, the country’s only coral island remains practically isolated.
Due to the regular maritime route being closed, alternative routes have been used to transport goods to St Martin’s Island. However, since June 22, no ships have operated on that route.
Meanwhile, intense clashes are ongoing between Myanmar’s military and the rebel group, the Arakan Army.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Coast Guard have increased patrols along the 54-kilometer Naf River from Hwaikyang to Shapuree Dwip in Teknaf upazila.
Lieutenant Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of Teknaf Battalion (BGB-2), said that BGB is on high alert to prevent any new infiltrations through the border.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury acknowledged that border residents have reported hearing the loud sounds of shells from the other side on Saturday as well.
“However, our law enforcement agencies are ready to handle any situation,” he added.
