Tension along Myanmar border

Authorities close 5 schools in Bandarban

Staff Correspondent : People living along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border at Naikhongchhari are currently terrorized by clashes between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) and Myanmar’s security forces. The local administration has announced the closure of five primary schools in the area amid rising tension.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin said: “Five schools along the border areas of Ghumdum and Tombru were closed considering the security of the students following an application by Naikhongchhari Primary Education Officer Tri Ratan Chakma in this regard.”
The five schools are Baishfari Government Primary School, Bhajabnia Government Primary School, Tombru Government Primary School, TombruPoshchimkul Government Primary School, and RejuGarjan Bunia Government Primary School.
The closure of the schools may be extended if necessary, the official added.
Local sources said that the recent fire exchange between AA, RSO, and Myanmar’s security forces and the landing of shells inside Bangladeshi territory have frightened the local community, including the school children.
At least 50 mortar shells landed near border pillars 47 and 48 in the last three days, making a huge sound. This has terrorized the local people.
Ghumdum Union Parishad Chairman Jahangir Aziz said: “Sounds of shells were heard on Monday morning. Although no one was injured, the people living along the border are frightened.
UP Member Mohammad Bhutto said: “Everyone living inside the territory is frightened. We have warned against going outside our homes if it is not very urgent.”
Local sources further said that helicopters were being used during the clashes between AA, RSO, and Myanmar forces in the past eight to ten days. The clashes have spread across Rakhine in the past few months, although the clashes have been going on for the last year. But recently, the sounds of firing are being heard loudly, and shells are also landing inside Bangladeshi territory. Similar incidents were reported in the area several times before as well.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) Director General AKM Nazmul Hasan has asked its members to remain alert along the border areas to face any untoward incidents.
He gave the instructions while inspecting the Ukhiya and Naikhongchhari border areas on Sunday.
The areas inside Myanmar that are close to the Tombru border are currently under the control of the separatists.