Save people from landmines on Bangladesh-Myanmar border

The Myanmar government and the Arakan Army have not only pushed a large number of Rohingyas into Bangladesh, but have also planted a large number of landmines along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border—suspectedly to prevent the Rohingyas from returning to Myanmar. This concern was expressed by the head of Bangladesh’s mission in Sittwe, Myanmar.

According to news reports published yesterday, (Saturday, May 3), people living in various areas of Bangladesh near the Myanmar border are frequently injured or killed by landmine and IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosions. Between January 24 and May 1 this year, at least 13 people have been injured by such explosions. A young man died in an explosion in July 2024. Most of the incidents occurred in the border area of Naikhongchhari upazila in Bandarban. Many of those injured in mine explosions have become disabled. Losing their means of livelihood, many now live in misery. The families of the victims are also nearly destitute, struggling to cover medical and other expenses.

In Myanmar, the long-standing conflict between the country's military and rebel groups has involved widespread use of deadly landmines and explosives. In November 2023, the Arakan Army launched attacks on military bases in Rakhine State. As a result, the Arakan Army currently controls most parts of the state. According to available information, the Myanmar border with Bangladesh stretches about 271 kilometers through the Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar. It has been alleged that the Arakan Army has also planted landmines extensively near the Bangladesh border, leading to casualties. Government officials and local representatives believe the mines have primarily been planted to block members of Rohingya armed groups who are in conflict with the Arakan Army. However, like the Myanmar military, the Arakan Army has denied planting mines in the border area.

However, according to the "Landmine Monitor 2024" report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), Myanmar ranks highest among countries in the world for landmine-related casualties. The report states that in 2023, a total of 1,003 people were killed or injured by landmines and explosive ordnance in Myanmar. In comparison, 933 people were killed or injured in Syria during the same period. The United Nations established a treaty banning landmines in 1997. This treaty prohibits the production, use, and stockpiling of landmines. Myanmar is one of the countries that has not signed this treaty.

Now, due to landmines being planted along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Bangladeshis are also at risk of death. Many of the injured have been hospitalised for over a month, and they lack the funds for treatment. The question arises: how are Bangladeshis crossing the strict border security to enter the zero line? The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Naikhongchhari told the media that the border between Naikhongchhari and Myanmar is about 120 kilometers long. There is no barbed-wire fencing in all areas. As a result, many people manage to bypass BGB patrols and enter Myanmar territory, and they are the ones getting injured by mine explosions. The UNO added that most of the casualties are smugglers. Awareness campaigns are regularly conducted at the union level to prevent anyone from illegally crossing the border and putting their lives at risk.

Alongside awareness campaigns, strict security at the border is also essential. At the same time, it is necessary to prohibit and deactivate the use of landmines. If needed, international assistance should be sought in this regard. The Government of Bangladesh must take urgent action on this issue now. Otherwise, incidents of injury and death from mine explosions will continue to rise.