Bangladeshi fisherman loses leg in mine explosion at Teknaf border

A Bangladeshi fisherman lost his right leg in a mine explosion at the Hoikyang border in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar, while he was out fishing.

The incident took place on Sunday (April 6) in the Totardiya area, located inside Myanmar, along the border.

Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Jasim Uddin, the commander of the Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB), confirmed the matter.

Locals have identified the injured fisherman as Mohammad Firoz, also known as Firoz Alam (30). He is the son of Mohammad Ali Ahmad from Amatli area, Ward 2 of Hoikyang Union, Teknaf.

Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Jasim Uddin said that around 1 PM on Monday, a landmine planted approximately 100 yards inside Myanmar at the Totardiya area, near the zero line, exploded, severing the leg of a Bangladeshi fisherman named Mohammad Firoz.

He further mentioned that, with the help of local residents, the injured fisherman was rescued and brought to Bangladesh through the BM Post area, and was then sent to the MSF Hospital in Kutupalong, Ukhiya for treatment. He has been admitted to the hospital, where he is receiving medical care.

On December 8 of last year, the Arakan Army took control of the area from Naikhyangchhari in Bandarban to Naikhyangdia in Myanmar, opposite Shahparir Island in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar. During that time, they planted landmines at various points along the Bangladesh border. Since then, Bangladeshi fishermen have frequently been injured by mine explosions while fishing in different parts of the Naf River.