By: Camp Correspondent
Naikhongchhari, Bandarban — 26 June 2025
A Rohingya refugee man was critically injured in a landmine explosion while allegedly transporting food supplies for the Arakan Army (AA) near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, highlighting the growing risks faced by vulnerable refugees in the region.
The victim, Mohammed Younus (26), son of Azar Hossain, is from Camp-2W, Block B-1, in the Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp. The explosion occurred at around 10 PM on 25 June in Tomboro West, a remote village in Naikhongchhari, Bandarban district.
Younus lost half of his right leg in the blast and was rushed by locals to the MSF-run hospital in Kutupalong for emergency treatment. He is currently undergoing intensive care.
He is the father of three young children, all under the age of seven. His wife, Satera Begum (26), is currently pregnant and struggling to cope with the traumatic aftermath.
Younus previously worked as a WASH volunteer for Islamic Relief, but lost his job in April 2025 after USAID funding was cut. Since then, he had remained unemployed.
In an interview with Rohingya Khobor, Satera shared her grief and confusion.
“After my husband lost his job, he had no income to support our family or maintain our shelter,” she said. “He told me he would work outside the camp as a daily laborer. I didn’t know what kind of work it was.”
She added tearfully:
“Today, I heard that he was transporting rations to Arakan for the Arakan Army to earn some money. Now he has lost his leg. My children have lost their father’s protection.”
While the exact details of the recruitment and supply operations remain unclear, the case underscores a disturbing trend of economically desperate Rohingya refugees being drawn into risky cross-border activities, including aiding armed groups.
Local sources say this is not an isolated case. With rising unemployment and few options for legal income, more refugees—especially young men—are being lured into dangerous, often illegal, forms of labor near or beyond the border.
Authorities have not yet announced any investigation or action against those who recruit or exploit vulnerable refugees for such missions. Humanitarian workers have urged for urgent intervention to prevent further tragedies.
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