Heavy gunfire was reported inside Myanmar near the Ghumdhum border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban, causing panic among residents who had not heard such shooting for a long time.

According to local sources, the incident took place after 10pm on Sunday (August 10) when 30 to 40 rounds were fired continuously for seven to ten minutes across the border in Myanmar, opposite the Tambru border of Ghumdhum union.

Residents of Ghumdhum suspect the exchange of fire occurred between Myanmar’s rebel group Arakan Army and the Rohingya armed organisation ARSA or RSO.

Following the incident, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) increased patrol numbers and surveillance along the border.

Union Parishad member Nur Mohammad Bhutto said locals in the border area were alarmed upon hearing the gunfire.

Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Reni said there was no problem on the Bangladesh side of the border and the shooting took place on the other side. She added that law enforcement agencies remain alert.

MSK/