The death of Mohammad Saiful in a landmine blast inside Myanmar near the Naikhongchhari border has intensified fear among border residents. Locals say they must approach the frontier for farming and grazing without knowing where mines are planted. Authorities have launched an investigation and urged people to remain cautious in risky areas along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
A Bangladeshi man was killed in a landmine explosion inside Myanmar across the Naikhongchhari border in Bandarban on Monday morning.
The deceased was identified as Mohammad Saiful, 32, a resident of Painchhari area in Ward No. 8 of Dochhari Union in Naikhongchhari upazila. His father’s name is Mohammad Saber.
Confirming the matter, Naikhongchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mozammel Haque said, “The incident is being investigated.”
The explosion occurred around 9:40am near Border Pillar No. 52, according to sources.
The sources said the blast took place inside Myanmar, about 400 metres from the Bangladesh-Myanmar zero line, near the Duillyajhiri camp under the jurisdiction of Targuparha Border Outpost (BOP) of Naikhongchhari Battalion (11 BGB).
According to initial information, Saiful was seriously injured after a landmine planted by the Arakan Army exploded.
Locals rescued him and took him to Naikhongchhari Upazila Health Complex. After receiving initial treatment there, he was referred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital in critical condition. Later, doctors at the hospital examined him and declared him dead.
Naikhongchhari Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ismat Jahan Itu said, “The relevant administration and law enforcement agencies are looking into the matter. People have been advised to remain cautious in risky areas along the border.”
Growing concern along the border
Saiful’s death has triggered fresh concern among residents living along the border.
Local residents said they often have to go close to the border for farming, grazing livestock and livelihood activities. But they do not know where landmines have been planted across the border, leaving them exposed to risk.
Earlier, on May 24, three Bangladeshis were killed in a landmine explosion along the Ghumdhum border in Naikhongchhari. They were Chingkhong Chakma, 44, Chopoching Chakma, 47, and Ankyamong Tanchangya, 45.
On June 9, a Rohingya youth, Abdul Khalek, 30, was also killed in a landmine explosion.
The ongoing conflict across the border has raised longstanding concerns over the risks posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Local residents have demanded that risky areas along the border be identified, public awareness be increased, and security and surveillance be strengthened.