Three Bangladeshi civilians have been killed in a series of powerful landmine explosions along the country’s volatile frontier with Myanmar.
The blasts occurred on Sunday afternoon in the remote Ghumdhum area of Naikhongchhari, within Bandarban hill district, triggering acute panic among local residents.
The casualties underscore the lethal, ongoing threat posed by legacy and newly laid anti-personnel mines along the heavily militarised border.
The deadly blasts occurred around 1:30pm near Border Pillars 41 and 42 in the Palashchhara area, close to the zero line, according to local administration, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sources.
Authorities said the victims were working in a banana plantation when one of them accidentally stepped on a buried landmine, causing a massive explosion.
As the other two rushed to rescue him, additional mines exploded, killing all three on the spot.
A patrol team from the Rejupara Border Outpost under the 34 BGB Battalion rushed to the scene and recovered the bodies.
The deceased were identified as Chingkhyong Chakma, 44, son of Oimong Chakma; Chopoching Chakma, 47, son of Shuni Ong Chakma; and Ongkyamong Tanchangya, 45, son of the late Nemong Tanchangya. All three were residents of the Bhalukia area under Ghumdhum union.
Officials said efforts are underway to verify the identities and clarify discrepancies in initial information.
Border area remains highly dangerous
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, BGB Area Commander Colonel Md Mohiuddin Ahmed confirmed that the explosions occurred along the border’s zero line.
He said authorities are investigating why the victims entered the risky area despite repeated warnings.
“This area has long remained highly dangerous due to landmine threats. At different times, the Myanmar Army and later the Arakan Army planted mines in various parts of the border region,” he said.
The BGB official added that mine-clearing operations are currently being carried out inside Bangladeshi territory with support from the Bangladesh Army.
“Local residents have repeatedly been warned to avoid entering high-risk zones,” he added.
Colonel Mohiuddin also said the incident is unlikely to trigger tensions with either the Myanmar military or the Arakan Army, which now controls large parts of Myanmar’s Rakhine State bordering Bangladesh.
Fear spreads among border residents
Eyewitnesses said the explosions originated from mines allegedly planted near the Myanmar side of the border. Residents living close to the frontier said panic has spread across the area, where repeated landmine incidents over the years have claimed civilian lives.
Members of the BGB and Naikhongchhari Police Station later recovered the bodies and sent them to hospital.
Officer-in-Charge Mozammel Haque confirmed the deaths and said an investigation is underway.
