58 take refuge at BGB camps fleeing from Myanmar, 10 Bangladeshis injured in firing

As many as 58 boarder guard police of Myanmar have fled to Bangladesh on Sunday amid widespread clashes between the country’s army and Arakan Army (AA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) opposite to the Naikhongchhari border in Bandarbans.

They submitted their arms and ammunition to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Both BGB and local sources confirmed it on Sunday.

Sources said locals have become panic stricken as bullets, mortar shells and exploded rocket launchers have fallen on the homesteads in Bangladesh side amid widepsread firing between Myanmar’s army and Arakan Army (AA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) at Ghum Dhum-Tumbru border in Naikhongchhari of Bandarbans from the opposite direction in Myanmar.

At that time, at least 10 Bangladesh nationals were critically injured being hit by firing from Myanmar. They were injured between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, being failed to sustain in fighting with Myanmar’s rebel forces, the country’s Border Guard Police (BGP)’s 58 personnel entered Bangladesh and they have taken refuge at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) camps. Besides, locals said more than 30 BGP members are waiting on the opposite side of the border to enter Bangladesh.

They entered Bangladesh through Naikhongchhari’s Tumbru border at about 6:00am on Sunday, February 4.
It is learnt that two mortar shells from from inside Myanmar fell on the house of Mohammad Ilyas and lawn of Shafiqul Islam near Tumbru border in Naikhongchhari. A farmer named Prabir Dhar was injured in firing. BGB said they have remained alert to deal with any untoward situation. Police are working to maintain law and order in the area. However, the local administration said no decision has been taken so far to shift the inhabitants from the border areas of Naikhongchhari.

At about 4:00pm om Sunday, Myanmar army fired at the rebels from helicopters which fell inside Bangladesh, leaving minimum 10 people injured. Most of them are now being given treatment at different hospitals including Kutupalong refuge camp.

Locals said firing from Myanmar is nothing new. The people living at border areas have become habituated with it. But, the firing that began on Saturday has crossed all the past records. Locals have become panic-stricken after two mortar shells fell on a house and an elderly man was injured by bullet. None of them is now coming out of their houses. As a result, their normal life is being affected.

Confirming stringent vigilance at the border, 34 BGB Commander Lt Col Abdullah Al Mashruki said the BGB personnel have remained alert to prevent the possible entry of Rohingyas to Bangladesh. Vigilance at the border areas has been strengthened. “Not a single Rohingya will be allowed to enter Bangladesh,” he said.

Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) Commander Lt Col Md Mohiuddin Ahmed said there are apprehension that Rohingyas might enter taking advantages of firing on the opposite side of the border. “However, we have been maintaining strict vigilance at the border. We are now at maximum alert,” he said.