Landmine blast along Myanmar border injures three Bangladeshis

NAIKHONGCHARI CORRESPONDENT

A landmine explosion along Myanmar border in Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari upazila severely injured three people early on Sunday, with one victim losing both legs, local authorities reported.

The incident occurred near pillar number 47 in the Fultoli area of the upazila.

The injured were quickly transported to Cox’s Bazar General Hospital.

The victims have been identified as Md. Rafiq from Cox’s Bazar’s Ramu upazila, Md Abdullah from the Gorjania area, and Rashid Ahmed from Kachchapia. Of them, Abdullah suffered amputation of both legs due to the blast.

According to locals, the victims had illegally crossed into Myanmar to fetch cattle when they encountered landmines placed by the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military. Following the explosion, nearby residents conducted a rescue operation and facilitated hospital admissions for the injured.

Earlier on Saturday night, two Bangladeshis were injured by another mine explosion in the same area under comparable circumstances—both had also illegally crossed the border in pursuit of cattle. The mines are said to have been planted by the Arakan Army and Myanmar military forces.

Naikhongchhari Sadar Union Chairman Nurul Afsar Imon said security measures along the border have been intensified by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) following these mine explosions.