BGB poses on high alert as heavy gunfire heard near Myanmar border

Intense gunfire between armed groups inside Myanmar near the Bangladesh border has heightened tensions in the frontier areas, prompting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to remain on high alert.

The incident took place late Tuesday night (April 28) near the Balukhali border point in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.

Local sources reported that gunfire continued for nearly one and a half hours, from around 11:00pm to 12:20am.

The confrontation took place about 1.5 kilometres northeast of border pillar 20, in Myanmar’s Chakma Kata area.

According to witnesses, more than a hundred rounds were exchanged during the clash, reportedly involving the Rohingya armed group RSO and another armed faction.

Residents in nearby border villages said the prolonged gunfire triggered panic. “We heard continuous gunfire from across the border, which created panic. Many people could not sleep through the night,” said a local resident.

Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious. Union Parishad Chairman M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury confirmed hearing the gunfire and said precautionary measures had been advised.

Lieutenant Colonel Zahidul Islam, commanding officer of the Ukhiya Battalion of BGB, said the clash occurred inside Myanmar territory but assured that border forces are maintaining maximum vigilance. “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain prepared to respond to any potential intrusion or security threat,” he said.

Although the situation along the border remains under control, security has been reinforced to prevent any spillover effects, officials added.