The shelling along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, particularly in Teknaf, is a worrying reminder of the mounting crisis in Myanmar. The reverberating sound of mortar shell blasts and heavy gunfire are a reality for residents along the Naf River. Bangladesh now faces a crucial responsibility to save its citizens and maintain regional stability while making for likely humanitarian impacts.
The intensification in Myanmar’s internal conflict, mainly between the Arakan Army and the military Junta, has made an alarming surge in cross-border shelling that has panicked communities in Teknaf and surrounding areas. Villages like Nightyongpara, Hnila, Jaliapara, Nazirpara, Sabrang and Shahparir Island are plagued by sleepless nights and an ever-present fear of stray artillery. This reality is more than an environmental threat; it is a danger for those people who deserve peace and security at their homes. As shelling shakes their homes and gunfire resounds across the river, these communities are held hostage by a conflict not of their making.
Although the deployment of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard members to these areas represent the government’s commitment to security, the complexity of the crisis requires additional measures. Border patrols must be beefed up with surveillance and real-time intelligence-sharing to rapidly identify and respond to high-risk areas.
Besides, establishing safe zones or quick-response plans would provide necessary reassurance to residents and demonstrate proactive protection.
Although the deployment of Border Guard
Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard members
to these areas represent the government’s
commitment to security, the complexity
of the crisis requires additional measures
The risk of a fresh refugee influx is another pressing challenge. Bangladesh, already host to a vast number of Rohingya refugees, could face a strain on its resources and infrastructure should the conflict be exaggerated. The border camps of Cox’s Bazar are overcrowded and now stretching the nation’s capacity. Although Bangladesh has shown extraordinary compassion, the burden of hosting such a massive displaced population should not fall only on one country. The government must increase its calls to the global community to assist with resources and diplomatic support to address Myanmar's current crisis. Countries within the ASEAN, along with global organisations like the United Nations, need to take responsibility for pushing for peace and stability in Myanmar, as the consequence of inaction extends beyond its borders.
Effective diplomacy remains essential for Bangladesh. While securing the border, Bangladesh must maintain open channels of communication with Myanmar, pushing for a reduction in border tension. At the same time, Bangladesh should work to assemble global and regional allies to pressure Myanmar’s military management into generating conditions conducive to the safe repatriation of displaced people. Addressing the crisis at its root will diminish immediate threat to Bangladesh and long-term regional instability. Bangladesh’s diplomacy effort, consequently must focus on advocating for a peaceful, complete Myanmar, where the displaced population may return with safety and dignity.
However, mental health support for affected residents is another priority. Border communities are living with persistent fear and such prolonged exposure to conflict may lead to deep mental trauma. Ensuring accessible mental health services, with trauma counseling and community support initiatives, would provide invaluable relief to those dealing with the strain of living in a conflict zone. The measure would also contribute to a stronger, more resilient community prepared to manage the current challenges of living on a volatile border.
In light of these challenges, Bangladesh must adopt a multifaceted strategy to manage the crisis. This comprises robust border security, humanitarian preparedness and continued diplomatic engagement on regional and international levels. Bangladesh’s call for Myanmar’s peace is a moral imperative and a practical necessity to save its people from the effect of violence and instability.
