3 Bangladeshis injured in landmine explosion in Naikhongchhari

Three Bangladeshi youths were injured in a landmine explosion near the Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban. The injured are Ali Hossain (35), Md. Arif Ullah (30), and Mohammad Rasel (25).

The incident occurred on Friday morning (January 24) at different locations. Locals reported that the explosion took place near the barbed wire along the Fultoli, Ashartoli, and Lembuchhari border areas in Naikhongchhari Upazila, where the youths had gone to gather cattle. The landmine, planted by Myanmar's border security forces, exploded, injuring them.

Among the injured, Ali Hossain is the son of Hossain from Ward 8 of Ashartali, Naikhongchhari. Md. Arif Ullah is the son of the late Zafar Alam from Jamchhari, and Mohammad Rasel is the son of Mujibur Rahman from Lembuchhari.

The injured individuals were initially taken to Naikhongchhari Health Complex and later transferred to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. Shamsul Alam, a former member of Naikhongchhari Sadar Union, confirmed the matter. He said, "Three Bangladeshi youths were injured in separate landmine explosions along the border. Ali Hossain lost his leg, while the others suffered injuries to various parts of their bodies."

The youths had gone to the Myanmar border to fetch cattle. After the incident, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) heightened security in the area. However, no official statement from the BGB has been issued regarding the landmine explosion. Mohammad Masrul, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naikhongchhari Police Station, confirmed that the injured individuals have been admitted to the hospital.

Muhammad Mazharul Islam, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Naikhongchhari, said, "I have received reports of three individuals being injured in a landmine explosion. Since this is a border area, the matter is being managed by the BGB."