Kathmandu, Feb 7: In response to mortar fire from across the border, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry has called upon Myanmar’s ambassador, following the tragic deaths of two individuals in the border region.

Tensions have escalated in border villages of Bangladesh due to ongoing conflicts between Myanmar’s army and rebel groups, prompting many Myanmar soldiers to seek refuge in Bangladesh. Currently, the number of refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh has risen to 229 individuals.

Arakan insurgents have reportedly seized control of several positions in the border area, exacerbating the volatile situation. Tragically, two individuals in Bangladesh lost their lives on Monday morning as a result of mortar fire originating from Myanmar.

The 270-kilometer border between Myanmar and Bangladesh has been engulfed in violent conflict since last November, following the announcement by rebel Arakan Army (AA) fighters to end a ceasefire established after the 2021 coup.

According to reports from AFP, villagers residing in Bangladeshi border communities are living in fear amidst the escalating conflict. Medical assistance organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has treated 17 individuals injured in the clashes, all of whom suffered gunshot wounds. Among the injured, two individuals are in stable condition, while five remain in critical condition.

Local police chief Abdul Mannan confirmed the tragic death of 48-year-old Bangladeshi woman Husne Ara on Monday, along with an unidentified Rohingya individual in the afternoon. Husne Ara’s daughter-in-law recounted the sudden mortar attack while they were in the kitchen, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence that has affected innocent civilians in the region.