Myanmar Ambassador Summoned Over Border Shooting Incident

The Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh, Kyaw Soe Moe, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday, 13 January, following a serious cross-border shooting incident that left Bangladeshi citizens injured. The government expressed deep concern over the unprovoked exchange of gunfire originating from Myanmar’s side of the border, which has endangered civilian lives. Most notably, nine-year-old Huzaifa Afnan from Teknaf sustained critical injuries and remains under intensive medical care.

According to an official statement from the Ministry, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe was reminded that any firing into Bangladeshi territory constitutes a clear violation of international law and undermines the principles of peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries. Bangladesh urged Myanmar authorities to take full responsibility to prevent such border incidents in the future and to implement all necessary measures to ensure civilian safety.

The Ministry further emphasised that internal conflicts or the activities of armed groups within Myanmar must under no circumstances affect the lives, safety, or livelihoods of Bangladeshi citizens. The government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining order along its border regions.

In response, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe assured the Bangladeshi authorities that his government would take all appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and conveyed sincere condolences to the family of the injured child.

The Ministry also highlighted another recent incident: a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border on Monday, 12 January, which resulted in the severe injury of 28-year-old Mohammad Hanif, who lost one of his legs. These incidents have underscored the urgent need to enhance security and vigilance in border areas.

The key details of the recent border incidents are summarised in the table below:

The Ministry confirmed that Huzaifa Afnan remains in critical condition. Bangladesh has repeatedly stressed that internal unrest in Myanmar cannot compromise the peace and security of Bangladesh, and that all necessary actions will be taken to prevent any recurrence of unprovoked cross-border attacks.