Teknaf, Feb 7 (V7N) — Huzaifa Sultana Afnan, a nine-year-old child from Hoikyang in Teknaf, has died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head allegedly fired from across the Myanmar border. She passed away at 9:50 am on Saturday while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka, 27 days after the incident.

Hospital sources said the child had remained in critical condition in the intensive care unit for an extended period. Despite repeated medical interventions and maximum efforts by doctors, she could not survive due to complications caused by the head injury.

The incident occurred on the morning of January 11, when a bullet fired from Myanmar’s Rakhine State struck Huzaifa near her home. Local residents immediately rushed her to the Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, where she received initial treatment. As her condition deteriorated, she was transferred that evening to the intensive care unit of Chattogram Medical College Hospital and placed on life support. She was later shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

At the time, Professor Harun Ur Rashid, head of the Anesthesia and ICU Department at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, told journalists that the bullet had entered the child’s brain, leaving her in an extremely critical condition. Although doctors performed surgery, the bullet could not be removed due to high risk. Various medical procedures were applied to reduce pressure on the brain before she was referred to Dhaka.

Huzaifa’s uncle, Mohammad Ershad, said residents of Hoikyang and nearby areas had spent the night of January 10 in fear amid continuous sounds of gunfire from across the border. On Sunday morning, when the situation appeared calmer, the child went outside to play near her home. Gunfire resumed shortly afterward, and a bullet struck her in the head. Hearing the sound, locals rushed to the spot and took her to hospital.

Local residents described Huzaifa as a lively and talented child who was interested in both her studies and sports. Her sudden death has left her family and the community devastated.

Violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has intensified in recent months, particularly in and around Maungdaw Township. The country’s military junta has reportedly stepped up airstrikes, drone attacks, and mortar shelling targeting positions of the Arakan Army, while clashes among armed groups have further destabilized the border region.

The conflict has had direct repercussions on Bangladeshi border communities. Residents in several areas of Teknaf report frequent explosions shaking homes, with stray bullets landing in residential areas, shrimp farms, and the Naf River. Women and children are living in constant fear, and many families are unable to sleep at night.

Huzaifa’s death has renewed concerns over the safety of unarmed civilians living along the border. Locals say that without effective diplomatic efforts and stronger security measures, such incidents could continue.

Following the news of her death, a pall of grief has descended over Hoikyang and surrounding areas. Residents have called on the government to take urgent and strict measures to ensure the protection of civilians in border regions.

Hoikyang Union Parishad Acting Chairman Shah Jalal confirmed the death and said the family is overwhelmed with grief.

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