Teknaf mine blast blows off man’s leg in Cox’s Bazar

A landmine explosion at the Hoikyang border in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, has severed the left leg of Mohammad Hanif, 28, son of Fazal Karim of Lambabil village in Hoikyang Union.

The incident took place at 10:00 am on Monday.

Locals said Hanif was injured when a landmine exploded while he was working at a privately owned shrimp enclosure. He was rescued and admitted to the MSF Hospital in Kutupalong, Ukhiya.

The explosion has triggered fear in the border areas, and fishing in the Naf River has been suspended.

It is learnt that the Arakan Army, a Myanmar-based armed group, has planted banned landmines in several newly emerged islands in the middle of the Naf River and in no man’s land to prevent attacks by Rohingya rebel groups. Bangladeshi fishermen have been injured in similar explosions in the past.

The incident was confirmed by Khokon Kanti Rudra, sub-inspector in charge of the Hoikyang police outpost.

BGB commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed said the situation on the other side of the border is being monitored, and security and patrols along the Naf River and border areas have been strengthened.