In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded on February 5, 2024, the already tense Bangladesh-Myanmar border region witnessed a devastating turn as a mortar shell fired from the Myanmar side claimed two innocent lives in the Ghumdhum union of Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari upazila. The victims, identified as 45-year-old Hosneara Begum and an unidentified 58-year-old Rohingya worker, fell victim to the indiscriminate attack, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The tragedy unfolded at approximately 2:30 pm when a mortar shell, presumably launched from Myanmar, landed on Hosneara’s residence, leading to a fatal explosion. The blast not only claimed the lives of the two individuals but also left Hosneara’s five-year-old grandson injured, who was innocently having a meal in the kitchen when the shell struck.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shah Mujahid Uddin expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the attack that resulted in the loss of civilian lives. The Rohingya victim, a 58-year-old laborer, was working as a hired hand on a construction project in the affected building, underscoring the tragic reality that individuals engaged in routine activities within the safety of their homes are not spared from the impact of geopolitical tensions.
Naikhongchhari police station OC Abdul Mannan confirmed the casualties, stressing the urgent need for attention to the escalating situation.
The recent surge in violence along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border is attributed to an intensifying conflict between Myanmar troops and the Arakan Army, an armed group operating in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Bullets and mortar shells have been indiscriminately fired into Bangladesh over the past two days, causing widespread concern among local residents trapped in the crossfire.
Internationally, the situation is being closely monitored, with calls for both Myanmar and the Arakan Army to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions. The tragic loss of civilian lives in Ghumdhum serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll exacted by armed conflicts, with innocent individuals bearing the brunt of geopolitical tensions beyond their control. As diplomatic efforts continue, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of those residing in conflict-affected regions.
In response to the escalating crisis, the ruling Awami League General Secretary, Obaidul Quader, delivered a firm message, stating that Bangladesh will no longer entertain the entry of displaced Myanmar nationals under any circumstances. Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, emphasized the government’s position, calling for international intervention to resolve the situation and prevent Bangladesh from facing problems due to the conflicts in Myanmar.
Quader expressed concern about villages near conflict zones in Myanmar and announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would issue statements addressing the issue. Despite provocations, he asserted that Bangladesh would not react and highlighted the ongoing challenges, such as mortar shells from Myanmar falling on the Bangladesh border, resulting in casualties.
The Awami League general secretary called for international intervention, urging the United Nations and China to take initiative in resolving the situation. As tensions persist, Quader’s statements reflect Bangladesh’s firm stance and the call for a coordinated international response to mitigate the impact of the Myanmar conflict on neighboring countries.
Adding to the diplomatic front, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, announced that Myanmar has approached the Bangladesh mission to facilitate the repatriation of its Border Guard Police (BGP) members who sought refuge in Cox’s Bazar amid intense gunfights in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Mahmud revealed continuous communication between the two nations, with Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister engaging with the Bangladesh Ambassador.
Discussions are centered on the logistics and methods for the return of the BGP members, exploring options such as air or boat transportation. Mahmud addressed concerns about the ongoing influx, expressing that the nations are actively working to finalize the deportation process. He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach as more BGP members are expected to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Drawing parallels with a previous incident involving Myanmar security forces entering Indian territory, he highlighted the successful airlifting of personnel from India to Myanmar.
As discussions progress, Bangladesh is managing the situation with a focus on ensuring the safe return of Myanmar’s Border Guard Police members while addressing the broader challenges posed by the influx of displaced individuals.
However, amidst diplomatic engagements, reports emerge of Myanmar allegedly planning to push an additional half-million Rohingyas into Bangladesh, further intensifying the security situation in the region. The ongoing conflict between the Myanmar army and Arakan Army rebels in Rakhine State has raised concerns among analysts, urging advanced measures to address potential troubles on the horizon.
As heavy fighting persists in Myanmar, encompassing states like Shan, Kachin, and Rakhine, the Myanmar junta has faced significant setbacks in the form of battlefield defeats during the Operation 1027 offensive. With the army losing control of at least 35 towns, the conflict has created a volatile situation.
Security analysts are advising Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Coast Guard to proactively plan for and respond to potential challenges arising from the ongoing clashes. Reports indicate that Myanmar’s junta is allegedly plotting to forcibly relocate over 400,000 Rohingyas into Bangladesh under the pretext of the ongoing battle, heightening concerns about the displacement of vulnerable populations in the midst of the conflict.
Rohingyas have reportedly been gathered in bordering areas, awaiting potential relocation from the Mangdu-Buchidong region. The instability in the Bangladesh border region is exacerbated by the continuous clashes between the Myanmar army and Arakan separatists, underscoring the need for strategic measures to address the evolving situation.
As the international community watches with growing concern, the focus remains on achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflicts plaguing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border region. The tragic loss of innocent lives underscores the urgency of diplomatic efforts and coordinated actions to ensure the safety and well-being of those trapped in the midst of this escalating crisis.
