Concerns have escalated as fresh rounds of explosions were reported from Thursday night until Friday afternoon along the border, prompting heightened vigilance from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Coast Guard.

Locals in areas such as Uttar Para, Lomba Beel, Unchiprang, Kanjorpara, Hnila, Moulvapara, Wabrang, Fuler Dail, Chowdhury Para, and Jaliar Para in Teknaf, as well as St Martin’s Island and Shah Porir Dwip, reported hearing explosions and gunshots to Bangla Tribune on Friday.

Abdur Rahman from Shah Porir Dwip noted that explosions were heard during Jumma prayers on Friday and midnight on Thursday.

Officials from BGB and Bangladesh Coast Guard stated they are on high alert to prevent any intrusion of Rohingyas during the ongoing turmoil. Teknaf 2 BGB Commander Lt Col Md Mohiuddin Ahmed emphasized their tough stance and increased border patrol to thwart illegal entry into Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh-Myanmar border spans 283km, with a significant portion falling under Ukhiya and Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar and Naikhongchhari Upazila in Bandarban.

In recent months, there have been instances of Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) seeking refuge in Bangladesh. In February, 330 BGP members and civilians sought shelter, followed by another 180 in March. Efforts are underway to repatriate them to Myanmar.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury assured that they are closely monitoring the situation and providing support to border residents to prevent panic. BGB and Coast Guard personnel remain on high alert along the Naf River border.