A youth was seriously injured in a mine explosion while fishing in the Naf River along the Teknaf border in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, triggering protests and a road blockade by local residents demanding improved security.
The incident occurred around 11am in the Shahjahan Island area along the Hoaikyong border in Teknaf upazila. The injured, Hanif, is the son of Fazal Karim of Lambabil village in Hoaikyong union.
The blast came a day after a child was injured by gunfire from Myanmar in the same border area. The child is currently battling for his life at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Confirming Monday’s incident, Lieutenant Colonel Zahirul Islam, commander of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-64 in Ukhiya, said they had received reports that a youth was injured in a mine explosion while fishing in the Naf River.
“Initial information suggests that mines have been planted in some areas near the border. Efforts are underway to identify the specific locations,” he said, adding that border patrols have been strengthened and locals have been advised not to venture into border areas.
Following the explosion, agitated residents blocked the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf road in the Hoaikyong area. Locals also formed a human chain demanding proper treatment for Huzaifa Afnan, the child injured by cross-border firing on Sunday, and stronger security measures along the border.
Mohammad Amin, a resident of Lambabil, said locals had earlier taken part in a human chain demanding security and treatment for the injured child. “While we were protesting, news came that a fisherman had been injured in a mine explosion. People became furious and blocked the road. How can we live in such an insecure situation?” he said.
Shahjalal, acting chairman of Hoaikyong Union Parishad, said residents were living in constant fear. “A fisherman from my area was seriously injured in a mine blast today. The day before, a child was shot in the head by firing from Myanmar and is now on life support. Border residents are spending their days in extreme insecurity,” he said.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imamul Hafiz Nadim said a fisherman had been injured in a border mine explosion and residents of the border areas had been urged to remain cautious. He added that efforts were underway to remove the road blockade and restore normal traffic.
Tensions have remained high along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border for several days due to intense clashes in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Heavy gunfire and explosions have been reported as fighting continues among the Arakan Army, Rohingya armed groups and Myanmar government forces over control of the region.
On Sunday, two people, including a child, were injured by gunfire from across the border. BGB has also reported the arrest of 53 members of a Rohingya armed group who were attempting to enter Bangladesh to save their lives.
