By: Camp Correspondent
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh — March 22, 2025
Two Bangladeshi youths were seriously injured after being shot near the Ghumdhum border area in Naikkhongchhari, as gunfire reportedly came from across the border in a zone currently under the control of the Arakan Army (AA).
The shooting occurred around 8:30 PM on March 21 in Chitarkhum village, near Mileposts 34 and 35, adjacent to northern Maungdaw. Local sources report that the victims were working in nearby fields when bullets struck them from across the border.
Victims Identified
The two injured individuals are:
- Mohammad Jahangir, 19, son of Noor Bhir, from Ward 3 of Ghumdhum Union
- Hussain, 24, son of Abdul Hakim, from the same locality
According to eyewitnesses, Jahangir was shot twice in the left leg while working. When Hussain rushed to help him, he was struck in the back by a bullet.
Emergency Response and Hospitalization
Villagers quickly transported both victims to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Kutupalong for emergency care. Due to the severity of their injuries, both were later referred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for further treatment.
Local Authorities Confirm Cross-Border Fire
Zafar Iqbal, officer-in-charge of the Ghumdhum Police Investigation Center, confirmed that the gunfire originated from the other side of the border, specifically from an area now under the control of Arakan Army (AA) fighters.
According to local intelligence sources, the shots were fired from AA positions near northern Maungdaw, where intense fighting has been reported in recent months.
Rising Fear Along the Border
The incident has caused fear among Bangladeshi villagers living in the border region, many of whom worry that escalating conflict in Rakhine could spill over into Bangladesh. Community members have urged authorities to enhance border security and ensure the safety of civilians in frontier areas.
This is not the first such incident. Sporadic violence along the border has become more frequent in recent months, as armed conflict continues to displace civilians and destabilize the region.
