The law enforcement agencies have beefed up their security around the border area in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar following reports of Arakan Army (AA), a rebel group in Myanmar, seizing Maungdaw town in Rakhine State.
Maungdaw town is located south-east of Jaliapara of Teknaf municipality in Cox’s Bazar.
Following the seize, the AA warned Bangladeshi fishermen and all vessels to avoid the Arakan waters of the Naf River.
In response, Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have intensified patrols along the border’s land and water routes.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Sheikh Ehsan Uddin, said that announcements were made to warn Bangladeshi fishermen and other vessel operators to stay away from the area.
He further said: “For months, clashes between Myanmar’s junta forces and the Arakan Army have persisted near Teknaf. The AA now has full control over the bordering areas of Myanmar near Teknaf. They issued a ban on all vessel movements in the Naf River from Sunday, prompting us to alert local fishing trawler owners.”
The Naf River border has become highly volatile, and the UNO emphasized the importance of avoiding the area.
He also mentioned that BGB and the Coast Guard have increased patrols to prevent any cross-border intrusions.
Residents of the Teknaf border area reported intensified fighting in Maungdaw over recent days, with the sounds of heavy shelling spreading panic.
They said that while most of Rakhine State was already under Arakan Army control, parts of Maungdaw were previously held by the junta. However, the AA has now captured those areas too.
Lieutenant Commander Shoaib Bikash, media officer for the Bangladesh Coast Guard in Chittagong, confirmed the AA’s restriction on vessel movements in the Naf River.
“We won’t allow anyone to enter Bangladeshi waters. Our patrols are active from Jaliar Island to St. Martin’s Island, and fishermen have been instructed not to cross the border,” he said.
Mohammad Kader, a resident of the Teknaf border, mentioned hearing that Maungdaw is now under full control of the Arakan Army.
He added that fishermen have been explicitly instructed by the government not to cross the border.
Mohammad Jubair, President of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Humanity, expressed concern, saying: “We have heard through various media reports that the Arakan Army has taken control of Maungdaw. This situation is deeply worrying.”
Major Syed Ishtiaq Murshed, acting commander of Teknaf-2 BGB, said that patrols in the risky border areas have been intensified in light of the escalating situation in Rakhine.
“BGB personnel are on alert in both the Naf River and land areas to prevent any Rohingya infiltration and ensure security. We are prepared to address any situation that arises along the border,” he said.
dhaka tribune