TDS Desk

The sound of explosions at Maung Daw in Myanmar’s Rakhine is creating panic among the people living beside the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar’s Teknaf.

People living in Teknaf municipality, Sadar union, Sabrang union and Shah Porir Dwip are spending sleepless nights. They said Teknaf trembled at the sound of huge explosions from 4am to 11am today (7 December).

During this time, warplanes were also seen hovering over Myanmar’s sky. Locals living on the Bangladeshi side of the border think Myanmar’s junta forces are dropping bombs on the hideouts of the Arakan Army from planes.

Locals said they heard the sounds of explosions yesterday (6 December) as well.

Chairman of Sabrang Union Parishad Nur Hossain said, “The sound is coming from the villages on the south side of Maung Daw in Rakhine. Houses in Teknaf are reverberating due to the sound of mortar shells, bombs and powerful grenades exploding.”

Nur Hossain added they were facing problems keeping kids and elderly people free from fear.

People living beside the border said fighting was going on at Ukilpara, Foyezipara, Sikderpara, Haripara and Fatangza areas south of Maung Daw.

“Many people are living outside their houses in cold weather fearing the sound of explosions. Houses vibrate with regular intervals due to incessant sound of explosions,” said Md Islam, a resident of Teknaf’s Nayapara.

Member of Ward No-5 of Sabrang union parishad Mohammad Sharif echoed Islam, saying people in his area are living in fear due to the sound of explosions that started on Thursday (5 December) night.