Sounds of explosions at Myanmar border spark fears of new Rohingya influx

Teknaf, Jan 6, (V7N) –Due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, plumes of smoke and flames have been observed along the Rakhine border near Teknaf in Bangladesh.
Residents along the border have also reported hearing loud explosions.

In response, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified patrols along the Naf River and coastal areas to prevent a potential influx of Rohingya refugees.

Since Monday morning, residents of Teknaf municipality's Nayapara and two other areas have reported seeing smoke and flames across the border.

Major Ishtiaq Ahmed, Deputy Commander of Teknaf-2 BGB, acknowledged the situation, saying: "We have received information about a potential new wave of Rohingya trying to enter."

He futher added: "We are not allowing anyone to cross into Bangladesh. Due to the strict watch by the BGB, illegal crossings at the Naf River border are under control. Efforts to cross through the deep sea are also being stopped."

He also said that: "We have increased patrols along both the Naf River and the coastal areas to ensure no new entry into Bangladesh."

Border residents reported seeing smoke from fires across the Naf River in areas like Mongdu's Perangfur in Rakhine up until 3pm on Monday.

Additionally, heavy gunfire was heard near Baraitali on Sunday afternoon.

While the intensity of gunfire has reduced compared to earlier, illegal crossings by Rohingya refugees continue.

Helal Uddin, a border resident, shared: "Since morning, we’ve seen smoke and flames on the other side, but it’s hard to tell what exactly is happening. We’ve heard the war hasn’t stopped in Myanmar, which is why refugees are still trying to enter. Just yesterday, 36 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh, fleeing from Akyab."

Between November 2023 and December 2024, approximately 64,718 individuals from 17,500 Rohingya families entered Bangladesh, according to the government’s Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Office.

Despite this, the influx of refugees has not ceased.

According to Mohammad Zobair, a Rohingya leader at the Kutupalong camp in Ukhiya, citing a relative in Myanmar, said: "The Arakan Army has ordered nearly 50,000 Rohingya in several Mongdu villages to vacate the area. Many have been forcibly relocated to other villages, and Rohingya are not allowed to move freely."

He also said: "The situation there is dire, with food shortages making life unbearable. This has forced many Rohingya, including those from Akyab, to flee to Bangladesh and other countries."

On Sunday, Md Nasir, a resident of Lumbadia in Akyab, entered Bangladesh via Teknaf’s Marine Drive Beach after being stranded at sea for four days.

He claimed: "After three days adrift at sea, we reached the Teknaf coastline. There were 36 of us on the boat. In Akyab, the Arakan Army has encircled Rohingya villages, restricting movement. People are starving and fleeing wherever they can."

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ehsan Uddin said: "Government forces are actively working to prevent illegal crossings along the Naf River and the coastal areas. No new entries will be allowed."