Bullet Could Not Be removed From Head Of The Child Shot At Myanmar Border, Life In Danger

A nine-year-old girl, Huzaifa Afnan, from Ward 3 of Hoyaikyaing Union in Teknaf, has been critically injured after being struck by a stray bullet fired from across the Myanmar border. The bullet entered through the right side of her face and penetrated her brain, leaving her in a life-threatening condition.

Despite several hours of complex surgery at Chittagong Medical College (ChMC) Hospital, doctors were unable to remove the bullet. Medical specialists have described the lodged bullet as being in an extremely hazardous location; any attempt to extract it could imperil the child’s life. To manage the immediate threat, doctors removed accumulated blood clots from her brain and temporarily preserved her skull in a refrigerated state to maintain proper cerebral circulation.

Professor Dr. Harun Or Rashid, head of the ICU at ChMC, explained, “Given the overall severity of her injuries, we have had to take extraordinary measures to protect her life. Attempting to remove the bullet directly risks severe damage to vital blood vessels in the brain.”

Huzaifa is a fourth-grade student at Lamba Bil Haji Mohammed Hossain Government Primary School. Her parents have called for enhanced security along the border. Her father, Mohammad Jasim, expressed his anguish: “As a parent, this is an unbearable situation. No child should suffer such a sudden and severe attack. The government must act to ensure safety at the border.” Her uncle, Mohammad Ershad, has demanded justice from the authorities.

According to reports, the incident occurred at 9:00 a.m. last Sunday when a stray bullet fired from Myanmar’s Rakhine State struck Huzaifa. She was admitted to ChMC Hospital later that day in a critical condition and placed on life support. A complicated surgery was performed during the night to stabilise her condition.

Brigadier General Md. Taslim Uddin, Director of ChMC Hospital, stated, “The child’s condition remains extremely serious. Multiple departments, including ICU and neurosurgery, are monitoring her closely, and every effort is being made to restore her health. Transfer to another facility is not possible due to the severity of her injuries.”

Local residents held a human chain at Teknaf’s Hoyaikyaing Techhi Bridge Highway yesterday, demanding urgent medical care for Huzaifa and reinforced border security. Speakers condemned indiscriminate gunfire in border areas and urged authorities to prevent future attacks.

Another gunshot victim, 22-year-old Kefayet Ullah, a resident of Teknaf’s 21 No. Chakmar Kul Rohingya Camp, was admitted to ChMC Hospital yesterday. Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam confirmed that border guards have been deployed to prevent similar incidents.

Summary Table of Victims: