More than two hundred individuals returned from St. Martin despite the risks, crossing the Myanmar border amidst ongoing firing.
After being stranded for a week, over two hundred individuals returned to Teknaf from St. Martin aboard four trawlers. This group included hotel workers, laborers, and others stuck in various occupations. They departed from St. Martin Jetty on Thursday, June 13, around 12:30 pm, and safely arrived at Teknaf Point by 2:30 pm.
Mujibur Rahman, chairman of the island union, stated that due to ongoing shelling on the Rakhine border with Myanmar, boats transporting food supplies from the district administration were unable to reach St. Martin. Consequently, residents are experiencing heightened anxiety as they navigate their daily lives.
Adnan Chowdhury, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Teknaf, mentioned that four trawlers were dispatched to St. Martin to bring back individuals who were stranded during Eid holidays or engaged in various errands. These trawlers primarily travel to Teknaf through the Bay of Bengal route.
He mentioned that the boat scheduled to transport food items from Teknaf to St. Martin could not make the trip due to heavy gunfire reported in the Rakhine area across Sabrang on the Naf River on Wednesday and Thursday. As an alternative, these essential supplies are expected to arrive from Cox's Bazar tomorrow (Friday).
Mujibur Rahman, Chairman of St. Martin Union Parishad, reported that hundreds of individuals, including island development workers and hotel staff, were stranded on St. Martin due to unprovoked firing from Myanmar border trawlers in the Gholarchar area of the Naf River. This incident has led to the suspension of boat traffic, necessitating special arrangements to return these stranded individuals to Teknaf. As uncertainty mounts among the island's residents, there is a desperate need for food aid to alleviate the situation.
Confirming the gunfire near the Shahpari island border, UP member Khorshed Alam stated that the sounds were heard throughout the morning, afternoon, and night near the mouth of the Naf river and the border. It remains challenging to pinpoint the exact location across the river where these incidents are occurring. Today (Thursday), approximately 270 individuals arrived in Teknaf aboard four trawlers, undertaking the journey at considerable risk.
He mentioned that there was considerable risk due to large waves in the Bay of Bengal, causing many on the trawlers to experience seasickness. People are facing harassment upon arrival at Teknaf Ghat. Currently, it appears unlikely that anyone staying in Teknaf will be able to travel to Saint Martin, as the sea conditions remain extremely rough.
Advocate Kefayet Ullah, who arrived in Teknaf from St. Martin by trawler, expressed, "I have returned with my life; it is by the mercy of Allah. I faced extreme risks in the large waves of the Bay of Bengal."
He advised against crossing the Bay of Bengal to Teknaf by trawler, emphasizing the dangers. He warned that even a slight mishap could lead to a catastrophe, potentially sinking the trawler and endangering lives.
A border officer, speaking anonymously, indicated that panic is rising among people on the Myanmar side due to the loud noises. The officer acknowledged that conflict is escalating in that region, which could lead to potential border infiltrations. Consequently, border guards are on high alert to monitor the situation closely.
The country's army is engaged in intense combat with the Arakan Army, a separatist group, in several villages, including Maungdoo. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Bangladesh Coast Guard members are conducting patrols along the 54 km stretch of the Naf River, from Hoikang to Shahpari Island in Teknaf Upazila. Lt. Colonel Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Captain of Teknaf 2 BGB, stated that they are constantly prepared to respond to any situation that may arise.
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