Tension flared along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border on Monday (January 12) after a Bangladeshi youth was severely injured in a landmine explosion allegedly planted by the Arakan Army. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Shahjahan Island in the Whykong area of Teknaf upazila, Cox’s Bazar.

The victim, identified as Md Hanif, son of Fazal Karim from Lombabil village, was fishing in the Naf River when the explosion occurred. Locals rescued the injured man and rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to local residents, Hanif was fishing near the border when a sudden explosion rocked the area. “We heard a loud blast and found him bleeding badly. It seems the mine drifted from the Myanmar side,” said a fisherman who witnessed the incident.

Just a day earlier, a nine-year-old Bangladeshi girl, Hujayfa Sultana Afnan, was critically injured after being struck by a bullet reportedly fired from across the Myanmar border. The consecutive incidents have triggered outrage and fear among border residents.

Following the latest explosion, angry locals blocked the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway, demanding stronger border security and immediate medical support for the injured. They also formed a human chain calling for protection from cross-border violence.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Zahidul Islam, commanding officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-64 in Ukhiya, confirmed the incident. “Preliminary reports suggest that landmines planted by the Arakan Army may have drifted into the river. We are marking risky areas and have intensified patrols to ensure civilian safety,” he told reporters.

Mohammad Shahjalal, acting chairman of Whykong Union Parishad, said the situation along the border has become alarming. “One of our fishermen was critically injured by a landmine today, and yesterday a child was shot. People are living in constant fear and uncertainty,” he said.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Imam-ul Hafiz Nadim said authorities have instructed residents to remain alert and avoid risky areas near the river. Law enforcement teams have been deployed to restore normal traffic following the road blockade.

Continuous gunfire, cross-border shelling, and now the Arakan Army’s landmines have left the Teknaf border region on edge, with locals demanding urgent diplomatic and security measures to protect their lives.

BOB Post