Another 25 members of the Myanmar Border Guard Police (BGP) have fled across the border and sought refuge in Bangladesh amid clashes between the army and the country's rebels. Earlier this morning, 14 BGP members entered Bangladesh, bringing the total to 39.
According to a Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) official, the security force members are currently at a camp in Bandarban’s Tambru.
Minister of Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan commented after the group of 14 members entered the country, stating, “There are about 14 of them. They are called BGP or Border Guard Police. As you know, they have been fighting with the Arakan Army. At one point, they came here and took shelter. We are speaking to the Myanmar government about the matter.”
Lt Col Abdullah Al Masruque, commander of BGB-34 Battalion in Cox's Bazar, said, "The ongoing infighting in Myanmar worsened last night. Amid the situation, members of the Myanmar security forces illegally entered Bangladesh territory. As an immediate step, BGB members cordoned off the security force members."
The security force members were disarmed, and their arms and ammunition were confiscated. "We are now taking steps as per international norms," he added.
Meanwhile, across the Ghumdhum border of Naikhongchhari Upazila, shelling began on Saturday night inside Myanmar and has continued since. Hundreds of families in Tumbru, Konarpara, Bhajabaniya, and Baishphandi areas of Ghumdhum Union are fleeing to seek safe shelter wherever possible.
Till now one person was injured in Tumbru due to firing from Myanmar. Additionally, a house on the border of Baishphandi caught fire.
In response to security concerns, the Bandarban District Commissioner (DC) has issued directives to halt operations at five government primary schools and restrict transportation along various roads near the Ghumdhum-Tumbru border of Naikhongchhari Upazila.
Helicopters have been spotted patrolling Myanmar's airspace. Local residents are gripped by panic due to the intensity of the shelling, stated Bandarban District Commissioner Shah Mujahid Uddin.