Members of Myanmar's Border Guard Police (BGP) and other security personnel have attempted to enter Bangladesh onboard two wooden trawlers in an attempt to escape their life as hostilities between the Arakan Army and Myanmar's government troops continue to escalate. Following the unsuccessful attempt to breach into Bangladesh, the two trawlers were discovered drifting in the Naf River. On Sunday, the trawlers were stopped by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in the Teknaf-Myanmar transit ghat close to Jaliapara in the Teknaf Municipality.

More than a hundred security personnel from Myanmar were being transported by these trawlers. We have yet to get official statements on this incident from the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Speaking anonymously, a government official said, "More than a hundred BGP members and other security forces attempted to enter Bangladesh on two wooden trawlers in the river amid the escalating conflict in Myanmar." 

According to the official, patrols in the Naf River have been reinforced to prevent illegal infiltration. Mujibur Rahman, the panel mayor of Teknaf Municipality, likewise attested to the situation. The sound of gunfire coming from across the border has caused stress among border residents on both sides from Sunday morning till the afternoon. In addition, there were flames visible across the border.

The BGB has greatly increased patrols in order to stop illegal access across the border. "In the afternoon, we saw smoke rising from fires in Myanmar from the jetty," stated Mohammad Yunus, a visitor to the Teknaf-Myanmar transit jetty. Mohammad Islam, a border dweller, continued, "Another loud burst of gunfire from Myanmar has been heard." There are reports that members of Myanmar's BGP are escaping to Bangladesh due to the current fighting across the border. Furthermore, refugees from Rohingya are also making an effort to reach the border."

Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), verified that border dwellers continue to hear gunfire on Sunday from across the border. In addition, infernos have been noted over the Naf River. "A few BGP members from Myanmar are trying to get in here. But our forces are ready to tackle any circumstance," the UNO declared.

The commanding officer of the BGB's Teknaf-2 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Md Mohammad Uddin Ahmed, said, "There have been reports of shooting today at several locations along the border. But we are keeping the utmost caution to stop anyone from crossing the border once more."