For consecutive years, the Teknaf-Saint Martin naval route has faced disruptions. Today, another incident occurred when a speedboat was targeted, resulting in 10 to 12 gunshots. Fortunately, the five passengers on board the speedboat remained unharmed.

Early this morning, near Golgara in the Badarmokam area of Shahpari Island on the Teknaf-Saint Martin route, a speedboat encountered gunfire from a trailer originating in Myanmar. Khurshed Alam, the Union Parishad member from Ward 3 and owner of the operating speedboat, confirmed this information.

Local boat operators and business owners reveal that the Teknaf-Saint Martin route encompasses the Naf River and the Mohona Point of the Bay of Bengal, adjacent to Myanmar’s Nakeshyangdia Point. However, an unknown armed group stationed at Nakeshyangdia Point prevents service trawlers or speedboats from operating in the area. The attacks occur as soon as trawlers or speedboats come into view.

Following six days of suspension, today, a speedboat carried five passengers back to Saint Martin. Despite the incident, the speedboat managed to reach its destination. However, the situation has created extreme anxiety around Saint Martin Island. Additionally, due to communication disruptions, food scarcity is becoming a concern on the island.

Khurshed Alam, the Union Parishad member and owner of the speedboat, emphasized the urgency of transporting five passengers from Teknaf to Saint Martin for medical treatment. If necessary, the speedboat operator, Mohammad Belal, will travel from Kayukkhali Ghat in Teknaf to Saint Martin. The speedboat crossed over to the Bay of Bengal, reaching the Golgara Point in Badarmokam. However, the armed group stationed at Nakeshyangdia Point in Myanmar does not allow any service trawlers or speedboats to operate in this area. Despite firing 10 to 12 gunshots, the speedboat continued its journey toward Saint Martin.

Local representatives and business owners express concern about the complexities of transporting passengers and goods via wooden trawlers or service trawlers. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by those operating in the region. Although no casualties occurred during these events, Saint Martin Island remains on high alert. Moreover, due to severed communication, food shortages are becoming a pressing issue.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Md. Adnan Chowdhury confirmed the authenticity of the incident to Prothom Alo. He stated that the situation is critical, and Saint Martin Island is experiencing food scarcity due to the ongoing events. However, it remains uncertain whether the armed group near Nakeshyangdia Point belongs to the Myanmar border security forces or insurgents.

Mujibur Rahman, Chairman of Saint Martin Union, reported that armed individuals from Nakeshyangdia Point, near the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal, target trawlers. These armed groups prevent any service trawlers or speedboats from operating in the vicinity. Despite the challenges, the Teknaf-Saint Martin route remains suspended, affecting both passenger travel and essential goods transportation .