In a worrying escalation of violence along the Bangladesh–Myanmar frontier, two Bangladeshi teenagers were seriously injured on Tuesday when gunfire from across the border struck their boat on the Naf River near Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m.
The victims, 16-year-old Md. Sohel and 17-year-old Md. Obaidullah, residents of the Hwaikyang Union, were fishing in a small boat at the time of the attack. According to local law enforcement and community sources, members of the Arakan Army, an armed group operating from Myanmar, fired 10 to 12 rounds at the youths’ vessel. Neighbours and nearby residents swiftly rescued the injured teenagers and rushed them to the MSF hospital in Ukhiya, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Shah Jalal, the acting chairman of Hwaikyang Union Parishad, described the attack as “a deliberate strike on two minors while they were fishing in the Naf River. It represents yet another active act of violence by the Arakan Army in this border area.”
This latest incident adds to a series of violent events in the Naf River and surrounding border areas earlier this month, raising concerns among local communities. A summary of recent incidents is provided below:
| Date | Incident Description | Injured / Affected Individuals | Medical Facility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Jan | Gunfire from Naf River | Huzayfa Afnan (9) | Hospital in Dhaka |
| 12 Jan | Landmine explosion in Lomba Bil area | Mohammad Hanif, fish farmer (lost leg) | Chittagong Medical College Hospital |
| 27 Jan | Cross-border gunfire from Myanmar | Md. Sohel (16), Md. Obaidullah (17) | MSF Hospital, Ukhiya |
Authorities have issued heightened security alerts in response to the increasing frequency of armed attacks and explosions in the border region. Local law enforcement has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid unauthorised crossings, and exercise extreme caution near the river and border areas.
Residents have expressed growing anxiety that such incidents, if continued, could place children and civilians at significant risk. Security forces have confirmed that patrols and monitoring along the border have been intensified to prevent further casualties and ensure public safety.
The situation underscores the persistent volatility along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border and the urgent need for cross-border security measures to protect local communities from recurring violence.