by Hafizur Rahman
Cox’s Bazar, October 10, 2025:
A Rohingya refugee was injured by stray gunfire that crossed into Bangladesh from Myanmar on Thursday night, as heavy fighting continued near the border between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
Gunfire Crosses Border into Ukhiya
The incident took place in Rahmatbil, a border area under Ukhiya upazila, where intense clashes erupted across the frontier. The fighting reportedly lasted for more than three hours, spreading panic among residents of nearby refugee camps and host communities.
The injured refugee was identified as Md Yaser, a resident of Camp 12 in the Kutupalong-Balukhali settlement. He was hit by a bullet that crossed the border from Myanmar during the exchange of fire.
Fear Among Border Residents
“The residents on our side spent a sleepless night in fear,” said Gafur Uddin Chowdhury, Chairman of Ukhiya’s Palongkhali Union Parishad. “The intense fighting was just across the border. This young man was a victim of a stray bullet from that conflict.”
Local sources said the sound of explosions and gunfire could be heard throughout the night, forcing many camp residents to stay awake or take shelter inside their makeshift homes.
Security Forces on High Alert
Following the incident, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed additional personnel along the frontier and placed security forces on high alert. Officials said the measures aim to prevent further cross-border firing and protect civilians living near the border.
More than one million Rohingya refugees currently live in camps in Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf after fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The renewed clashes between the Arakan Army and ARSA have raised fears that Myanmar’s internal conflict could spill over again into Bangladesh’s border areas.
