Bangladeshi man loses leg as landmine explodes on Myanmar side of border

A Bangladeshi youth was severely wounded in a landmine explosion in the Myanmar side of the Bangladesh border along Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban today (September 16, 2022).

The injured is Aoung Gya Thowai Tanchangya (22), son of Aoung Kyaw Thowai Tanchangya of Tumbru Hedmanpara area under Ghumdhum union in the upazila, report our Bandarban and Cox's Bazar correspondents.

One of his legs was blown off from knee down in the explosion, said Mohammad Alam, a member of Ghumdhum union parishad.

He was first taken to Kutupalong MSF Hospital for treatment and later shifted to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for better treatment, said the UP member.

The incident took place on Tumbru-Headmanpara border of Ward No 3 under Ghumdhum union -- 300 meters inside Myanmar -- this noon when the youth crossed the border to bring their cattle, said Anwar Hossain, another member of Ghumdhum Union Parishad.

According to witnesses, locals sometimes need to cross the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to bring back their cattle when the cows cross over to the Myanmar side while grazing.

Today, when Aoung Gya Thowai crossed the border to bring his cattle back from Myanmar, an explosion went off.

Witnesses believed that the explosion took place when he stepped on a mine explosion on the border area of Myanmar and blew off left leg.

Md Ripon Chowdhury, a member of Cox's Bazar District Sadar Hospital police box, said a youth was injured in the blast and brought to the hospital in the afternoon. As his condition deteriorated, the on-duty doctor sent him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

Inspector Sohag Rana, officer-in-charge of Ghumdhum Police Investigation Centre, said, "I can't say anything on the matter since it is a border issue."

Naikhyachhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Salma Ferdous said, "I came to know about the incident from a local public representative. After this, the BGB has increased surveillance in the border areas."

The UNO also urged the local people living in the border areas to move with caution.

However, no statement was issued from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in this regard.

Despite repeated phone calls, BGB could not be reached for their comments.