Child Shot Near Myanmar Border Remains Critical, Bullet Not Removed

A nine-year-old girl, Huzaifa Afnan, from Ward 3 of Hoyaikyaing Union in Teknaf, has been critically injured after being struck by a stray bullet fired from across the Myanmar border. The bullet entered through the right side of her face and penetrated her brain, leaving her in a life-threatening condition.

Despite several hours of intricate surgery at Chittagong Medical College (ChMC) Hospital, doctors were unable to remove the bullet. Medical experts have described the lodged bullet as being in an extremely hazardous location, where any attempt at extraction could endanger the child’s life. To manage the immediate risk, surgeons removed accumulated blood clots and temporarily preserved her skull in a refrigerated state to maintain proper cerebral circulation.

Professor Dr. Harun Or Rashid, head of the ICU at ChMC, explained, “Given the critical nature of her injuries, we have had to take extraordinary measures to safeguard her life. Removing the bullet directly could severely damage vital blood vessels in the brain.”

Huzaifa is a fourth-grade student at Lamba Bil Haji Mohammed Hossain Government Primary School. Her parents have appealed for strengthened border security. Her father, Mohammad Jasim, said, “As a parent, this is the most distressing situation imaginable. No child should suffer such a sudden attack. We urge the government to ensure the safety of the border.” Her uncle, Mohammad Ershad, has also demanded justice from the authorities.

According to reports, the incident occurred at 9:00 a.m. last Sunday when a stray bullet fired from Myanmar’s Rakhine State struck Huzaifa. She was admitted to ChMC Hospital later that day in critical condition and placed on life support. A complicated night-time surgery was conducted to stabilise her condition.

Brigadier General Md. Taslim Uddin, Director of ChMC Hospital, said, “The child’s condition remains extremely serious. Multiple departments, including ICU and neurosurgery, are closely monitoring her. All efforts are being made to restore her health, and transfer to another facility is currently impossible due to the severity of her injuries.”

Local residents held a human chain at Teknaf’s Hoyaikyaing Techhi Bridge Highway yesterday, demanding urgent medical care for Huzaifa and reinforced border security. Speakers condemned indiscriminate firing in border areas and called for preventive action to avoid further incidents.

Another gunshot victim, 22-year-old Kefayet Ullah, a resident of Teknaf’s 21 No. Chakmar Kul Rohingya Camp, was admitted to ChMC Hospital yesterday. Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam confirmed that border guards have been deployed to prevent similar incidents.

Summary Table of Victims: