Bangladeshi Border Residents Become Victims of Myanmar's Civil War
Landmines from Myanmar's internal unrest are posing a danger to Bangladeshi border residents. Several incidents in the past year have left people missing limbs and no longer able to provide for their families.
REPORTER:
In the dense forests along the border of Bangladesh and Myanmar, danger lurks.
It’s something Ali Hossain, who lives in a small town nearby, knows all too well.
In early 2025, a short trek into the forest for firewood changed his life.
Ali Hossain (LANDMINE SURVIVOR):
After crossing the road, I didn't go more than 10 meters when the mine exploded.
REPORTER:
Hossain lost his left leg to a landmine and has since been unable to return to work at a rubber plantation. Now he relies on a prosthetic leg and crutch to get around. His two sons collect firewood after school to pay his medical bills.
Ali Hossain (LANDMINE SURVIVOR):
I could easily earn [4 US dollars] a day before. But now I can't earn even [80 cents] How am I supposed to maintain a living? It's too difficult for me now. I can't even buy my son a sweater this winter.
REPORTER:
Bangladesh blames decades of clashes between Myanmar’s military and armed ethnic groups near the border made worse since Myanmar's junta overthrew the democratic government in 2021, sparking a civil war.
Bangladeshi police say at least 28 people were injured by mines in 2025 alone -- and one border guard died after losing both of his legs.
But in a region where economic opportunities are scarce, people still rely on the forest to make a living.
Dudu Mia (FARMER):
We tell the people not to go near the Myanmar border as some of our brothers have already lost their legs. People know that as well. Still we warn them every time.
REPORTER:
Bangladesh’s border force warns nearby residents against going into the forest and conducts regular mine-sweeping operations. But they say it’s up to those fighting in Myanmar to stop using these weapons, which have already been banned in over 160 countries.
Lt. Col. Kafil Uddin Kayes (COMMANDER, BORDER GUARD BANGLADESH):
It's not justified in any way. There is no justification of setting mines at the border from the perspective of humanity.
REPORTER:
With explosives hidden in the forest where these people make a living, many have no choice but to take the risk in order to provide for their families and hope that they don’t become victims of the war next door.
