Foreign ministry summons Myanmar envoy

The foreign ministry yesterday summoned Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe and expressed deep concern at the recent instance of gunfire from Myanmar towards Bangladesh near Whykong Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.

A 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl was injured by a stray bullet during heavy fighting reportedly between the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups across the Myanmar border, a foreign ministry statement said.

Besides, another youth named Mohammad Hanif, 28, of Lombabil area under Whykong union was critically injured in a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border.

Bangladesh reminded that the unprovoked firing towards Bangladesh is a blatant violation of international law and a hindrance to neighbourly relationship.

Bangladesh asked Myanmar to take full responsibility and requisite measures to stop such cross-border firing.

Bangladesh also asked the Myanmar envoy to ensure that whatever happens between Myanmar authorities and the armed groups in Myanmar should not in any way affect the lives and livelihoods of the people in Bangladesh.

The Myanmar ambassador assured that his government would take measures to stop such incidents and expressed its sincere sympathy to the victims.

On Sunday, locals blocked the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf road in protest of such incidents.

Meanwhile, at least three people, including members of Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Nabi Hossain groups, were injured in gunfights between Myanmar’s rebel group Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups and later crossed into Bangladesh.

In December 2024, the Arakan Army claimed to have taken control of around 271 kilometres of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Rakhine state. Since then, tension and security risks have been rising along the Teknaf border.

For the last few days, the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups have been engaged in fierce fighting across the border of Teknaf.