Arakan News Agency
Landmine-related injuries are rising at an alarming rate along the Myanmar–Bangladesh border, as ongoing armed conflict and remnants of war continue to pose daily threats to civilians, particularly villagers living near the frontier.
Media reports indicate that many residents have lost limbs or sustained serious injuries while working in forests or crossing informal border routes.
Villagers told Agence France-Presse that forests, farmlands, and footpaths in border areas are riddled with hidden dangers from landmines planted by conflicting parties during earlier phases of the conflict.
Among the victims is Ali Hussain, 40, who was severely injured early last year while collecting forest products after a landmine exploded, resulting in the amputation of one of his legs. Relatives said neighbors rushed him to hospital after removing the injured limb.
Hussain now depends on his wife for mobility. Although he later received a prosthetic leg, he has been unable to return to his previous work. To meet daily medical expenses estimated at around 300 taka, his two sons have taken over forest work despite the significant risks involved.
Similar incidents have been reported in other villages along the border. Mohamed Abu Taleb, 47, lost a leg after stepping on a landmine while crossing into Myanmar territory, forcing his 10-year-old son to leave school to help support the family.
Another victim, Nurul Amin, 23, lost a leg while attempting to move livestock across the border and continues to suffer severe physical and psychological consequences.
According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Myanmar is among the countries most affected by landmines worldwide. In 2024, more than 2,000 people were killed or injured by landmines, double the number recorded the previous year.
Reports indicate that landmine use increased further in 2024 and 2025, particularly in areas near the Bangladesh border.
Bangladeshi authorities have accused both the Myanmar military and armed groups of planting landmines along the border. At least 28 people were injured by landmines in 2025, including a Bangladeshi border guard who was killed last November after triggering a mine.
Despite efforts by Bangladesh border forces to install warning signs and conduct mine-clearing operations, local residents say these measures offer limited protection, as many are forced to enter mine-contaminated areas in order to secure their livelihoods.
