Youth severely injured in landmine explosion at Naikhongchhari border

A 22-year-old youth lost part of his leg in a landmine explosion along the Jamchhari border of Naikhongchhari upazila on Sunday morning.

The injured, identified as Arafatur Rahman, sustained critical injuries when a landmine—reportedly planted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army—exploded near the barbed-wire fence in the no-man’s-land area of the border around 11:30 AM.

According to law enforcement and local sources, a group of smugglers, including Arafatur, had crossed into the border zone to collect contraband goods from Myanmar. The explosion occurred as they approached the zero line of the border, resulting in the complete severing of Arafatur’s lower left leg.

Locals quickly responded to the scene and transported the injured man to Cox’s Bazar District Hospital after providing initial treatment.

Arafatur Rahman is a resident of the Sapmarajhiri area in Ward No. 8 of Naikhongchhari Sadar Union and the son of Khuylla Mia.

Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Naikhongchhari Police Station, Md. Masrurul Haque, said, “The youth was severely injured by a landmine blast while allegedly attempting to smuggle goods. He has been referred to Cox’s Bazar Hospital for further treatment.”

Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury stated, “We have received reports of the injury caused by a landmine explosion at the border. The incident occurred during an illegal attempt to bring goods from Myanmar. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been instructed to take additional security measures along the border.”