There is fear and panic among the people in the 13 border villages of Ghumdhum and Palangkhali since the fighting started weeks ago. Now they have got some relief as the sound of bullets has reduced considerably.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Tauhidul Islam, 42, of Mandal Para of Ghumdhum union near Dhekibuniya border post, said his family members have been staying at a relative’s house in Waikyang, Teknaf since Sunday. He said that although there is fear of death, he cannot shift because of cattle and other domestic animals. He felt relieved to hear fewer gunshots than the previous night.
Today, during a visit to the area around 8:30 am on Wednesday, most of the 50-60 shops in Betbuniya market were seen open, and people were seen gathering there. The number of buyers at vegetable shops was also increasing.
Only a few shops were open for the past few days as several bullets and mortars fired from the neighboring country fell into Bangladesh territory due to clashes between Myanmar government forces and the rebel Arakan Army across the border.