Cox’s Bazar Correspondent: In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, fishermen have stopped fishing in the sea due to fear. People near the border have to live in fear. However, BGB and Coast Guard members are on alert.
Talking to Abdul Motaleb, a local resident of Shahpari Island in Sabrang Union of Teknaf, on Sunday (February 18) afternoon, it is known that even though the firing is going on across Myanmar, the sound of fire is coming from the other side.
The border of Miaman is about 5–6 km from the Shahpari island border. In the middle is the Naf River. Because of this, he does not see any possibility of bullets or mortar shells falling from Myanmar. However, due to these shootings, fishermen are unable to go fishing in the sea using engine-powered boats.
He also said that although there were incidents of shelling on the other side of the Ghumdhum border, including Hoikang in Teknaf and Palangkhali in Ukhia, we did not have much impact on Shahpari Island. When the shelling started in Rakhine’s Maungdoo town and surrounding areas, no major problems were seen, even though there was a loud noise. But the fishermen are not able to go to the sea to catch fish. Because of this, hundreds of fishermen are unemployed.
Nasir Uddin, a tea shopkeeper on Shahpari Island, said that the atmosphere here was calm before the shootings in Myanmar. At that time, various people, including tourists, used to visit Shahpari’s island, Jetty Ghat. In the past few days, there has been a decrease in the number of people coming in due to the clashes across the country. Loss of business. Despite the shelling going on across the country, the situation here is normal. But panic prevails in the public mind.
Abdus Salam, a UP member of Ward No. 9 of Shahpari Island, said that there was a loud noise from the last few days of clashes on the other side. But now the sound is a little weaker. The border situation on the other side is normal.
Teknaf upazila executive officer. Adnan Chowdhury said that due to the conflict situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh Border Guard Force (BGB) and Coast Guard members had to increase their patrols. People living on the border have been asked to be alert.
Cox’s Bazar, Additional Superintendent of Police. Russell said, Today I went to the Shahpari island border to see the border situation. People have been warned about the conflict going on beyond. As far as I can see, the border situation is normal. A police team is working alongside the BGB to prevent Rohingyas from infiltrating.
