In a heartbreaking incident in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, 12-year-old Huzaifa Afnan succumbed to injuries sustained from gunfire originating across the Myanmar border. After enduring 27 days of intensive medical treatment, Huzaifa passed away on Saturday morning, 7 February, at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka. Her body reached her family home at 3 a.m., and the funeral took place the following day at 11 a.m. at the family cemetery in Lombabil, Tecche Bridge area of Hwaikyaung Union.
Huzaifa, a third-grade student and the eldest child in her family, was a beloved member of her local community. Her untimely death has left her family, neighbours, and local political and social leaders deeply mournful. Among those attending the funeral were Shahjahan Chowdhury, the BNP candidate for Ukhiya-Teknaf constituency; Nur Mohammad Anwari, candidate for Dāripalla Pratik; the Cox’s Bazar District Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami; and numerous local social and political figures.
Residents expressed grave concern over the incident, emphasising the need for heightened vigilance along the border. “No more innocent lives should be lost in this area. Strengthened monitoring by the border security forces is essential. Simultaneously, the government must take effective measures to prevent the disruptive activities of armed elements among the Rohingya community,” they said.
Huzaifa was injured on 11 January at approximately 10 a.m. during armed clashes in the Lombabil border area. Initially admitted to a local hospital, her condition worsened, prompting transfers to Chittagong Medical College Hospital and subsequently to Dhaka for specialised care. Despite medical efforts, she passed away in the hospital at 9:30 a.m. on 7 February.
The following table summarises Huzaifa’s medical journey and the key events following her injury:
| Date & Time | Event / Medical Centre |
|---|---|
| 11 January, 10:00 a.m. | Seriously injured by gunfire at the border; admitted locally |
| 11 January, Afternoon | Transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital |
| 11 January, Evening | Moved to National Institute of Neurosciences, Dhaka |
| 7 February, 9:30 a.m. | Passed away while under hospital care |
| 7 February, 3:00 a.m. | Body returned to family home |
| 8 February, 11:00 a.m. | Funeral held at family cemetery |
Huzaifa’s death underscores the persistent insecurity and armed tensions along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Local communities are now calling for urgent, practical measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of vulnerable residents in border areas.