Three hurt in landmine blasts near Bandarban border

Three people were injured in separate landmine explosions near the border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban today.

The injured are Mohammad Ali Hossain, 35, of Ashartali, Md Russell, 35, of Dochari, and Md Arif Ullah, 40, of Lemutali union in the upazila.

According to police and locals, Ali Hossain's left ankle was severed in a blast, while Arif Ullah suffered severe facial injuries.

Quoting an official of Bangladesh Border Guard, Naikhongchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury said three explosions occurred near border pillars 47-48 in the Phultali border area of Naikhongchhari.

The victims were transferred to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for treatment, he added.

According to locals, there were three explosions between 6:00-10:00am. They said the three individuals allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally to bring cattle.

The landmines were reportedly planted by the Arakan Army, the rebel group fighting against the Myanmar forces in Rakhine. It now controls most border areas with Bangladesh.

Ali Hossain's younger brother, Jamal Hossain, said his brother was injured in a landmine explosion inside Myanmar near Naikhongchhari.

Md Masrurul Haque, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naikhongchhari Police Station, however, said they had received reports of two landmine explosions between 6:00am and 7:00am and another at 10:00am. He confirmed that one person was injured in the first incident but could not confirm injuries from the second explosion.

This correspondent could not reach any BGB officials for comments.