A series of mortar shells fired from Myanmar landed along the Ghumdhum border in Bandarban on Tuesday afternoon, sparking widespread panic among residents. The explosions, which occurred around 1:00 PM, sent shockwaves through the entire area, causing people to rush out of their homes in fear.
Local resident Abdul Gafur described the moment of the blast: “Suddenly we heard a deafening explosion. It felt like an earthquake—our houses were shaking. When we ran outside, we saw smoke rising. Later we realized the shells had landed from across the border. Everyone, especially children and the elderly, started running for safety.”
Following the blasts, the local Union Parishad authorities used loudspeakers to warn villagers to stay alert and move to safer locations if necessary.
Security forces responded immediately. Members of the local administration, police, and other law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene, while the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) tightened security by cordoning off the affected area.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of the area stated, “Additional security personnel have been deployed. We are advising residents to remain cautious but not panic. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the border security agencies.”
It remains unclear whether the mortar shells landed in Bangladesh accidentally due to Myanmar’s internal conflict or were fired deliberately.
No casualties have been reported so far. However, local sources confirmed that the pressure from the blasts damaged the tin roofs of at least three houses, and several large craters were found near the impact sites.
Security analysts warned that ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar has made the Bangladesh–Myanmar border increasingly volatile, with stray bullets and shells frequently crossing into Bangladeshi territory.
Local representatives have urged the government to increase continuous patrols and surveillance along the border to ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
