Loud explosions in Myanmar's Mongdu ignite panic in border areas of Bangladesh
"The sounds were likely from mortar shells and bombs. The explosions were so intense last night [Thursday] that sleeping was impossible," said a resident of Shah Porir Dwip.
Residents of Cox's Bazar's border areas, including Subrang, Naya Para, and Shah Porir Dwip, have once again reported loud explosions originating from Mongdu city in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
The blasts have triggered widespread fear and anxiety among locals near the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar.
On Friday morning, Abul Faiz, a Union Parishad (UP) member from Subrang Union's Ward 5, said the explosions began Thursday evening and continued throughout the night, marking the latest incident since Nov 28. Abu Taleb, a resident of Market Para near Shah Porir Dwip's border, suggested the sounds were likely caused by intense fighting between Myanmar’s government forces and the Arakan Army in Rakhine.
"The explosions were so loud last night [Thursday] that it was impossible to sleep," he said, speculating that the noises came from mortar shells and bombs.
Kala Mia, a resident of Zalia Para on Shah Porir Dwip, described the impact: "During the Isha prayer, the whole mosque shook from the sound of bombs. I’ve never heard gunfire like that before."
Rezaul Karim Rezu, a UP member from Subrang’s Ward 8, added that such explosions and gunfire from Mongdu have become frequent. "The loud noises shake residents' homes, and people can’t sleep peacefully," he said. "Those living along the border, especially children and the elderly, live in constant fear."
Enamul Haque, an assistant teacher at Shah Porir Dwip Government Primary School, expressed concern over the escalating anxiety caused by the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. "During the day, it’s somewhat manageable, but at night, the fear becomes overwhelming," he noted.
He also raised concerns about whether the bombs, which appear to be dropped from warplanes, might cross into Bangladesh's airspace.
Many border residents and displaced Rohingya sheltering in Bangladesh maintain family ties in Rakhine State, occasionally receiving updates about the conflict.
According to Abdul Amin, a resident of the Teknaf Rohingya Camp, "The Arakan Army has been fighting Myanmar’s junta forces for over nine months in Rakhine. During this time, they have captured several border posts from Myanmar’s Border Guard Police near Mongdu. Now, Myanmar’s military and BGP are trying to reclaim those posts."
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