The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka summoned Myanmar’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Kyaw Soe Moe, on Tuesday, 13 January, following a serious cross-border shooting incident that left Bangladeshi citizens injured. The unprovoked gunfire, originating from Myanmar’s side of the border, has caused widespread concern in Bangladesh, particularly as nine-year-old Huzaifa Afnan of Teknaf sustained critical injuries and remains under intensive care at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
An official statement from the Ministry emphasised that Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe was reminded that firing into Bangladeshi territory constitutes a clear violation of international law and undermines peaceful relations with neighbouring countries. Bangladesh has urged Myanmar authorities to take full responsibility for preventing such incidents in the future and to implement all necessary measures to ensure civilian safety along the border.
The Ministry further stressed that internal conflicts or the activities of armed groups within Myanmar must under no circumstances jeopardise the lives, safety, or livelihoods of Bangladeshi citizens. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining national security and order in border regions.
In response, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe assured the Bangladeshi authorities that his government would take all appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and conveyed sincere condolences to the family of the injured child.
The Ministry also highlighted a separate but related incident: on Monday, 12 January, a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border seriously injured 28-year-old Mohammad Hanif, resulting in the loss of his left leg. These incidents underscore the urgent need for heightened security and vigilance in border areas.
A summary of the recent border incidents is presented in the table below:
| Date & Time | Location | Injured Person | Age | Incident Description | Treatment Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 January, 09:00 | Hwaikyaung Union, Teknaf | Huzaifa Afnan | 9 | Injured by gunfire from Myanmar’s Rakhine State | Chittagong Medical College Hospital |
| 12 January, morning | Hwaikyaung Border, Teknaf | Mohammad Hanif | 28 | Landmine explosion causing severe leg injury | Local hospital |
The Ministry confirmed that Huzaifa Afnan’s condition remains critical. Bangladesh has repeatedly emphasised that internal unrest in Myanmar cannot compromise its national peace and security. All necessary measures will be taken to prevent any recurrence of unprovoked cross-border attacks, ensuring the protection of Bangladeshi citizens living along the border.