A Rohingya youth lost part of his right leg in a landmine explosion near the Ukhiya border area of Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday morning.

The injured, Mohammad Yunus, 25, is a resident of Block D/2 of Rohingya Camp-19 in Ukhiya.

The incident took place at about 9:30am in Chakmakata area inside Myanmar, across the Palongkhali border, according to local sources.

Local people said that they rushed to the spot after hearing a loud explosion and rescued Yunus. He was first taken to Kutupalong MSF Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was later shifted to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital.

Resident medical officer of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital Shantanu Ghosh said that Yunus’s right ankle had been completely severed. His condition was critical and he was under close observation, the doctor said.

Shamsul Alam, Rohingya community leader of Camp-19, said that the risk of landmine explosions had increased in recent times in border areas. He added that many Rohingyas had to go to the bordering areas for livelihood, which exposed them to such dangers.

Lieutenant Colonel Zahirul Islam, commanding officer of Ukhiya Border Guard Bangladesh Battalion (64 BGB) said that the landmines were planted inside Myanmar territory beyond the zero line, posing serious risks to civilians.

‘Rohingyas are not supposed to go near the border. However, some cross the area on different pretexts, leading to such incidents,’ he said.

He added that Border Guard Bangladesh had been conducting regular awareness campaigns, including miking, to discourage Rohingyas from approaching the border.

Earlier, on April 10, another Rohingya youth, Mohammad Sadeq, 25, was injured in a similar landmine blast in the same area. On March 29, a 15-year-old boy, Abdul Hakim, was also injured in an explosion along the border.