Myanmar has reportedly dispatched a 'warship' to the Naf river, which borders Bangladesh, causing astonishment among locals in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, amidst ongoing fighting between the military and rebels.

Despite the sounds of sporadic explosions persisting from Thursday night into Friday afternoon, it remains uncertain whether the vessel is of military or civilian origin, as stated by Md Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of Border Guard Bangladesh’s Teknaf 2 Battalion.

According to Siddique Ahmed, a resident of Shah Pori’s Island, the frequency of explosions increased notably, with at least 10 significant blasts occurring between 3 pm and 4 pm after the ship departed around 11 am, following its morning arrival.

In recent months, several individuals in Bangladesh have lost their lives, and many others have sustained injuries due to shelling, gunfire, or grenade attacks from the Myanmar side of the border. Additionally, numerous Myanmar fighters and civilians have crossed the border seeking refuge.

Border Guard Bangladesh's Mohiuddin mentioned that the border guards have intensified surveillance and are prepared for any potential developments, including a mass exodus.

Local council members, including Abdus Salam from Sabrang Union Council, Md Enamul Haque from Sadar Union Council, and Rashed Mahmud Ali, chairman of Hnila Union Council, reported an escalation in gunfire and shelling during the afternoon, following a relatively calm period on Thursday.

Abdul Maleque, a resident of St Martin’s Island, remarked that the explosions were so powerful that they reverberated across the island in the Bay of Bengal.