In a troubling incident, two Bangladeshi fishermen were reportedly shot by the Myanmar Navy in Teknaf upazila within Cox's Bazar district as they returned from a fishing expedition in the Bay of Bengal.

The confrontation unfolded as members of the Myanmar Navy pursued and opened fire on the fishermen while they navigated the Naf River in Teknaf around 11 am on Sunday.

Identified as Mohammad Faruk, 20, and Mohammad Ismail, 20, the victims sustained severe injuries during the altercation. Abdul Mannan, a member of the Shapuree Dwip Union Parishad, revealed that the fishermen had embarked on their fishing trip four days prior to the incident.

Mohammad Faruk's condition, in particular, was critical, as he suffered from three bullet wounds. Consequently, he was swiftly transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for urgent medical attention. Meanwhile, Ismail, who sustained minor injuries, received treatment at Teknaf Upazila Health Complex.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, the Commander of Border Guard Bangladesh Teknaf-2 Battalion, stated, "The fishermen were shot while fishing on the other side. We are still investigating the matter. Presently, the border situation remains calm."

Further elaborating on the incident, Teknaf Model Police Station's Inspector (Operation) Abdur Razzak mentioned, "We have received reports of two fishermen sustaining injuries in a firing incident involving the Myanmar Navy while returning from their fishing expedition at sea. Our investigation into the matter is ongoing."

The incident underscores the tensions in the region and raises concerns over the safety of fishermen navigating these waters. Authorities are expected to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the affected individuals undergo treatment.

BOB Post