A Rohingya youth suffered severe injuries, including the loss of a leg, after a landmine exploded at the Ukhiya border zero line in Cox’s Bazar.
The explosive device was reportedly planted by Myanmar armed rebel group Arakan Army (AA).
Lieutenant Colonel Md Zahirul Islam, commander of Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB), confirmed the incident.
The incident occurred on Friday around 10:30am in an area under the Balukhali Border Outpost along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border pillar BRM-21.
The explosion took place at a location known as “Narikel Bagan,” about 1 kilometre south of BRM-21 and around 250 metres north of Master Kathi post. The area lies approximately 150 metres inside Myanmar territory from the zero line.
The injured Rohingya man was identified as Md Sadeq, 25, son of Bashir Ahmed. He is a resident of Block F-13 of Rohingya camp No. 10 in Ukhiya.
Locals said he sustained critical injuries in the blast. Rescue teams first took him to MSF Hospital in Kutupalong. Doctors later referred him to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment.
“We have confirmed that a Rohingya youth was injured in a landmine explosion in the border area inside Myanmar. He was rescued and sent to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for better treatment. We urge everyone living in the border areas to remain alert,” he said.
Local sources said landmine explosions in the border area are not new.
On 29 March, Abdul Hakim, 15, a Rohingya teenager from Camp No. 19, suffered serious injuries in a landmine blast at the Balukhali border along the Naf River zero line in Palongkhali union.
On 26 March, another landmine explosion in the Anjumanpara border area of the same upazila left Md Shahidul Islam, 25, amputated. He is a resident of Block F-5 of Camp No. 16 and son of Chan Mia.
Concerned officials said extreme caution is necessary when moving in high-risk border areas.
