Full Breakdown
Landmines Devastate Lives Along the Bangladesh-Myanmar Border
1/7/2026, 1:51:52 PM
The Human Cost of Conflict
In the border regions between Bangladesh and Myanmar, villagers are suffering severe consequences from landmines, remnants of a conflict that is not theirs. Ali Hossain, a 40-year-old resident of Naikhongchhari, lost his leg to a landmine while collecting firewood in early 2025. “I went into the jungle with fellow villagers. Suddenly, there was an explosion, and my leg was blown off,” he recounted. Following the incident, Hossain underwent amputation and now relies on an artificial leg and crutches, unable to return to his previous job on a rubber plantation. His family now faces financial strain, as his two young sons have taken on the dangerous task of collecting firewood after school.
Similar stories are prevalent in the area. Mohammad Abu Taleb, 47, also lost his leg to a landmine while unknowingly crossing into Myanmar. He expressed the emotional toll of his injury, stating, “It took away my whole life.” His son has since dropped out of school to help support the family, highlighting the dire economic impact of these injuries.
Rising Casualties and Growing Concerns
According to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Myanmar is the most dangerous country for landmine casualties, with over 2,000 reported in 2024—double the number from the previous year. The organization noted a significant increase in landmine usage, particularly near the Bangladesh border. Bangladesh authorities attribute the planting of these mines to Myanmar's military and various armed factions, including the Arakan Army, which controls parts of the border region.
In 2025, at least 28 individuals in Bangladesh were reported injured by landmines, including a Bangladesh border guard who was killed when a mine exploded. Lieutenant Colonel Kafil Uddin Kayes, a local Border Guard commander, condemned the situation, stating, “This cruelty cannot be legitimized.” Despite efforts by Bangladesh's border force to raise awareness through warning signs and mine-sweeping operations, villagers continue to risk their lives for survival.
The Broader Implications
The ongoing conflict and the presence of landmines have created a precarious situation for communities along the border. Dudu Mia, a local farmer, emphasized the unsustainable nature of planting landmines, stating, “It can’t go on like this.” As the population grows and families move closer to the border for farmland, the risk of landmine injuries increases, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I went into the jungle with fellow villagers. Suddenly, there was an explosion, and my leg was blown off,” — Ali Hossain, Landmine Victim
- “It took away my whole life.” — Mohammad Abu Taleb, Landmine Victim
- “This cruelty cannot be legitimized,” — Lieutenant Colonel Kafil Uddin Kayes, Border Guard Bangladesh Commander
- “Planting landmines cannot be the solution. It can’t go on like this.” — Dudu Mia, Local Farmer
The plight of these communities underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from landmines along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.
