Bangladeshi man loses leg in landmine blast along Myanmar border

A Bangladeshi man lost his leg in a landmine explosion along the Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Tuesday morning.

The blast occurred around 8:00 AM along the zero line between border pillars 46 and 47, near Jaruliachhari Border Outpost (BOP), confirmed Md Masrul Haque, officer-in-charge of Naikhongchhari Police Station.

The victim, identified as Md Tayeb, son of Saber Ahmed from Kombonia area in Naikhongchhari union, had reportedly crossed into Myanmar territory with the intention of smuggling goods, locals said.

While returning with cattle and other items, Tayeb stepped on a landmine allegedly planted by the Arakan Army, resulting in severe injuries. The lower portion of his right leg was blown off in the blast.

Locals rushed to rescue Tayeb and transported him to Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex. He was later referred to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment.

OC Masrul Haque stated, “The incident is under investigation.”

Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury also confirmed awareness of the situation and said necessary steps would be taken.