COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh: A Bangladeshi youth was critically injured in a landmine explosion along the Teknaf border today, locals say — a day after a child was injured by a stray bullet fired from across the Myanmar border.
The injured youth was identified as Mohammad Hanif (pic), 28, of Lombabil area under Whykong union in Teknaf upazila (district sub-division).
The incident occurred around 10:00 am on Tuesday (Jan 13). Local sources said Hanif was working at a fish project area near Shahjahan island when a sudden explosion took place on the bank of the Naf River.
He was thrown into the river following the blast and was later rescued by fishermen. His left leg was completely severed in the explosion, they said.
Locals said that the mine was planted along the border area by the Arakan Army, an armed insurgent group active in Myanmar’s Rakhine state.
Hanif was initially taken to Kutupalong MSF Hospital in Ukhiya and is being shifted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, they said.
Local student leader Saiful Islam Shakil said that on Monday, stray bullets crossed into Bangladesh amid clashes on the Myanmar side, leaving several people, including a child, injured.
Due to security concerns, no one has gone to the project area since yesterday. When people resumed work today, thinking the situation had calmed, the tragic incident occurred.
Whykong Police Outpost in-charge Khokon Kanti Rudra said a youth lost his left leg while working at a fish project near the Naf River area. “We are working on the matter,” he said.
Attempts to contact officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were unsuccessful.
Protesting the incident, locals again blocked the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf road on Tuesday.
Earlier Tuesday morning, a bullet fired from Myanmar hit a house in the Techchhi Bridge area of Whykong union, injuring a child named Huzaifa Afnan, 12. Rumours of her death sparked tension in the area, prompting locals to block the road.
Later, it was confirmed that Huzaifa is alive and has been admitted to the ICU of Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Her uncle Mohammad Shawkat said her condition remains critical.
Meanwhile, at least three people, including members of ARSA and Nabi Hossain groups, were injured in gunfights between the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups and later crossed into Bangladesh.
In December 2024, the Arakan Army claimed to have taken control of around 271 kilometres of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Rakhine state. Since then, tension and security risks have been rising along the Teknaf border.
For the last few days, the Arakan Army and Rohingya armed groups have been engaged in fierce fighting across the border of Teknaf. - The Daily Star/ANN
