A human chain was formed in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, on Monday to protest the shooting of an innocent schoolgirl, Hujaifa Sultana Afran, who was injured by gunfire allegedly fired by a Myanmar-based rebel group.
The demonstration took place at around 11:00 am on Monday on the Teknaf–Hwaikyang Techchhibridge highway, with people from different walks of life joining the protest. During the human chain, participants strongly condemned the indiscriminate firing along the Myanmar border and demanded an immediate halt to such attacks.
Speaking at the programme, Md Alam said that a bullet crossing the border and injuring a school-going child is a gross violation of humanity. “Such actions by Myanmar’s rebel groups, carried out in violation of international law, are completely unacceptable,” he said.
Ali Hossain, another speaker, asserted that individuals residing in border areas endure a constant state of fear. “Children and women are the most vulnerable. He added, “We need urgent diplomatic initiatives to ensure lasting peace along the border.”
The speakers also demanded proper medical treatment for the injured student, support for her family, and effective measures to prevent any further attacks on innocent civilians. They urged the government to take strong action in this regard.
Other participants called on the international community, including the United Nations, to take notice, stressing that Myanmar’s internal conflict must not be allowed to claim innocent lives on Bangladeshi soil. They said international pressure is essential to stop cross-border violence.
The injured student’s father, Jasim Uddin, told reporters that his daughter was shot in the head on Sunday when a bullet fired by a Myanmar rebel group struck her as she was going out to play.
“She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU of Chattogram Medical College Hospital. I seek proper treatment for my daughter and support from the government,” he said.
On Sunday, Hujaifa Sultana Afran was critically injured by gunfire originating from Myanmar’s Rakhine State, sparking widespread concern and anger among residents of the Teknaf border area.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
