Bangladeshi fisherman injured by gunfire from Myanmar; BGB on alert

A Bangladeshi fisherman was injured after being hit by gunfire allegedly fired from Myanmar while fishing in Bangladesh’s territorial waters of the Naf River at Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar district, prompting Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to heighten security along the border.

The injured fisherman, Mohammad Alamgir (30), has been undergoing treatment at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital since Friday afternoon. 

The incident occurred on Thursday night at Hoikyang area of the Naf River. 

Local union parishad member of ward no. 2, Sirajul Mustafa Lalu, said that gunfire and explosions are occasionally heard in the border area. 

“Several rounds of gunshots and sounds of explosions were heard again today and one local fisherman was injured by a bullet coming from across the border,” he said.

According to the victim’s elder brother, Sarwar Alam, Alamgir and another fisherman named Akbar went fishing near the Bilaichhar island area of the Naf River after evening prayers on Thursday. While they were casting nets from their boat, several gunshots were suddenly heard. Moments later, Alamgir collapsed inside the boat.

“It was later found that a bullet had pierced through his left arm, causing heavy bleeding,” Sarwar Alam said, adding that fellow fishermen helped rescue him. 

Confirming the incident, Lieutenant Colonel Md Zahirul Islam, commanding officer of BGB’s Ukhiya-64 Battalion, said the matter had come to their attention. 

“Immediately after the incident, patrols along the Naf River border area were intensified and the situation is currently under control,” he said.

The BGB official also noted that fishing in the river remains restricted, but some fishermen continue to venture into the area.

“Necessary steps will be taken to increase awareness among local fishermen to prevent such incidents,” he added.

Across the border lies northern Maungdaw area of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, where Arakan Army has claimed control over a 271-kilometre stretch since December 2024.

The rebel group has been engaged in intense fighting with Myanmar’s military junta since October 2023, a conflict that is still ongoing.

According to a recent United Nations report, at least 180,000 Rohingya have newly fled to Bangladesh after being affected by the ongoing violence as of November last year. 

Earlier, gunfire was also heard from Myanmar side along the border on December 13, 17 and most recently on December 27.

SU/SH