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A Bangladeshi youth was killed in a landmine explosion allegedly planted by the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar’s territory along the Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban on Monday.
The victim, Mohammad Saiful, 25, suffered severe injuries and lost both legs in the blast near Border Pillar No. 52, within the area of responsibility of the Targup Border Outpost under Naikhongchhari Battalion (11 BGB), at around 9:40am.
Local residents rescued Saiful and took him to Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Saiful was a resident of Painchhari area in Ward No. 8 of Dochhari Union under Naikhongchhari upazila. His father’s name is Mohammad Saber.
According to BGB sources, the explosion occurred about 300 metres inside Myanmar from the Bangladesh-Myanmar zero line near Border Pillar No. 52, close to a camp controlled by the Arakan Army.
Saiful had entered the area to collect bamboo when he accidentally stepped on the buried landmine. The resulting explosion severed both his legs, leaving him critically injured at the scene.
Local sources and preliminary information from BGB said Saiful had crossed into Myanmar to cut bamboo for his livelihood. He reportedly stepped on the landmine accidentally while collecting bamboo.
Locals later rescued him and rushed him to the Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Naikhongchhari Upazila Executive Officer (Acting) Ismat Jahan Itu confirmed the incident and said local residents had been instructed not to move unnecessarily around the border area.
The incident has triggered concern and fear among residents along the border.
Locals said some members of indigenous and Bengali communities living near Border Pillars 51 to 54 regularly enter Myanmar to collect bamboo to support their livelihoods.
Residents of the remote border areas have long collected bamboo and other forest resources from the hilly forests for their livelihoods. However, armed conflicts among groups in Myanmar and the planting of landmines in various areas have made movement across the border increasingly dangerous.
Locals said Saiful’s death in the landmine blast has once again highlighted the security risks faced by border communities.
They stressed the need for increased monitoring and awareness to prevent Bangladeshi citizens from entering hazardous areas across the border for livelihood purposes.
Security measures have reportedly been strengthened in the border area following Saiful’s death.