COX’S BAZAR, May 1, (V7N) — A series of dramatic developments unfolded along the Bangladesh–Myanmar frontier and inside Rohingya camps, while cross‑border trade resumed after nearly a year.

Residents of Ukhia’s Palongkhali union were shaken Friday morning as heavy gunfire erupted across the border in Myanmar’s Chakmakata area of Maungdaw township. From 5:00 to 5:40 am, two armed groups exchanged 200–250 rounds of fire, according to border sources. Though no casualties have been confirmed, sporadic gunfire continued into the afternoon, spreading fear among locals. Lt. Col. Zahirul Islam, commander of Ukhia Battalion (64 BGB), said BGB remains on alert. Two Rohingyas were detained for illegal entry and later handed over to police.

In a separate tragedy, Mohammad Riaz (4), son of Mohammad Rashid Alam of Kutupalong Camp‑3 (Block D‑45), died after being hit by a straw‑laden truck while playing on the road Friday noon. Despite being rushed to GK Hospital and later to Ukhia Upazila Health Complex, doctors declared him dead. Police recovered the body and sent it to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

Meanwhile, after nearly a year of suspension due to conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, border trade resumed through Teknaf land port Friday afternoon. A timber‑laden boat from Rakhine docked at the port around 1:30 pm, confirmed Port GM Jasim Uddin. Business leaders expect shipments of timber and other goods to gradually increase, reviving import‑export activities. Trade had been halted amid Arakan Army control of border areas, but recent changes have allowed operations to restart.

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