Ukhiya, Oct 10 (V7N) – Heavy gunfire was reported across the Bangladesh–Myanmar border throughout Thursday night, spreading panic among residents of Ukhiya in Cox’s Bazar and Naikhyangchhari in Bandarban. The exchange of fire, believed to be taking place inside Myanmar territory, caused thousands of villagers along the border to spend a sleepless night in fear.

According to local residents, the sound of gunfire began around 11 p.m. Thursday and intensified between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., making it nearly impossible for people to step outside their homes. Sporadic firing continued until dawn on Friday. Many families in border villages turned off their lights and stayed indoors throughout the night.

The affected areas include Rahmater Beel, Dhamankhali, Thaingkhali, and Balukhali in Ukhiya’s Palongkhali Union, as well as Tumbru Paschimpara in Ghumdhum Union of Naikhyangchhari upazila. Residents in Ghumdhum Union of Bandarban district also reported hearing the gunfire.

Swadhin, a resident of Rahmater Beel, said, “The gunfire from the Myanmar side was extremely loud. People here are terrified—it sounded like thousands of rounds were fired.” Another local resident, Babul Ahmed from Balukhali, said, “Around midnight, we heard continuous bursts of gunfire across the border. No one in our area could sleep last night.”

Nurul Alam, a member of Palongkhali Union Parishad, confirmed the reports. “Yes, we heard heavy gunfire from inside Myanmar. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or casualties on our side,” he said.

Local sources and residents of Rohingya camps claim that fierce clashes are ongoing in the Maungdaw district’s Dhekubonia area of Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The fighting is reportedly between Rohingya armed groups and the Arakan Army, a powerful ethnic rebel organization. Some images circulating on social media claim that a Rohingya refugee in Bangladesh was injured by stray bullets, but no verified sources have confirmed this information.

Tahidul Islam Tuhin, a resident of Tumbru Paschimkul, said, “We heard intense gunfire all night. People were too frightened to sleep.” Shopkeeper Abdur Rahim added, “It sounded like a major attack inside Myanmar. Everyone stayed indoors; no one dared to step out.”

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has confirmed that the fighting is taking place entirely within Myanmar territory and remains far from the zero line. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Commanding Officer of the 64 BGB Battalion, said, “We are on alert and closely monitoring the situation. Although gunfire can be heard from the border, there is no immediate threat of bullets entering Bangladesh. People should not believe unverified images or rumors circulating on social media. We have not received any reliable information regarding injuries among refugees.”

Border residents frequently hear such gunfire due to ongoing conflicts inside Myanmar, which severely affects their mental health and daily lives. Women, children, and the elderly often spend sleepless nights in fear, while local businesses, schools, and farming activities near the border are disrupted.

Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Kamrul Islam Chowdhury stated, “We have received reports of gunfire across the border. Locals have been advised to remain cautious.”

Security agencies continue to maintain heightened vigilance along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border as tensions persist on the other side.

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