A nine-year-old child who was critically injured in a shooting near the Bangladesh–Myanmar border in Teknaf is being transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment, hospital officials have said.
Huzaifa Afnan sustained severe bullet injuries during gunfire near the Hoikang Techcha Bridge, around three kilometres from the Teknaf–Myanmar border in Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday morning. She was initially admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where doctors described her condition as critical.
According to hospital authorities, arrangements have been made to move the child to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka following recommendations from a medical board. She was scheduled to be transported by ambulance on Tuesday afternoon with medical support.
Doctors at CMCH said Huzaifa suffered serious head injuries and was placed on life support in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Professor Rashid, head of the Anaesthesia and ICU Department at CMCH, said emergency surgery was carried out to relieve pressure on her brain.
He said surgeons removed a blood clot from her brain and temporarily detached part of her skull to reduce swelling. The skull bone was preserved under medical protocol. However, doctors were unable to remove the bullet, which remains lodged deep in the brain, due to the high risk involved.
“The pressure on the brain has been reduced, but her condition remains extremely serious,” Professor Rashid said, adding that she requires specialised neurological care available in Dhaka.
Incident near border area
Huzaifa is the daughter of Jasim Uddin, a resident of Lambabil village under Hoikang Union in Teknaf upazila. Family members said she was on her way to buy breakfast with her grandfather when the shooting occurred.
Local residents believe the gunfire originated from across the Myanmar border during clashes involving armed groups. Bangladeshi authorities have not officially confirmed the source of the bullets.
Huzaifa’s uncle, Shawkat Ali, a madrasa teacher, said the family is receiving assistance from the local administration. “Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh and a physician are accompanying her during the transfer to Dhaka,” he said.
The shooting has heightened fears among residents in the border area, following another incident a day later. On Monday morning, a young man named Hanif lost a leg after a landmine explosion in the same vicinity.
His brother, Imam Hossain, said Hanif was also admitted to CMCH with serious injuries. Local residents and victims’ families suspect the injuries were caused by weapons and explosives linked to fighting between Myanmar’s armed groups and state forces near the border.
People living along the Teknaf border say repeated incidents of gunfire and explosions have increased fear and insecurity in the area. Community members are urging authorities to strengthen border safety measures to protect civilians.
Bangladesh authorities have previously expressed concern over cross-border violence affecting border communities, particularly in the Cox’s Bazar region.
Huzaifa remains in critical condition as she is transferred to Dhaka, while doctors continue efforts to stabilise her health.
