Cox’s Bazar girl in critical condition after ‘cross-border firing’

A 12-year-old girl remains in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound from a “stray bullet” allegedly fired from across the Myanmar border in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Sunday.

The victim was identified as Afnan Ara, daughter of Jashim Uddin, was struck in her head around 10:30 AM at Whykong in Teknaf upazila. The bullet is believed to have crossed into Bangladesh during a gunfight in Myanmar’s Rakhine State between the Arakan Army and a separatist group.

Later, Afnan Ara was immediately taken to Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), where she underwent surgery on Sunday night.

According to CMCH director Brigadier General Taslim Uddin, the bullet could not be removed as it is lodged in a highly sensitive area of her head.

“Any attempt to extract it could cause severe bleeding and may result in death,” he said.

The young patient has been placed on ventilation support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Hospital authorities reported a slight improvement in her physical condition since Monday, offering a cautious sign of hope.

Doctors continue to monitor her closely as she remains in a life-threatening condition.

This incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by cross-border violence along the Cox’s Bazar-Myanmar border.

AM