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A tragic incident has claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, highlighting the lingering dangers of unexploded ordnance. The victim, identified as Satnaing Tanchangya, died when a mortar shell exploded in a jhum field in Bandarban's Naikhongchhari upazila.

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A 12-year-old boy was killed in a mortar shell explosion near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Bandarban's Naikhongchhari upazila this afternoon.

According to police and local representatives, Satnaing and his family had fled their home in Myanmar's Rakhine state two years prior, seeking refuge from the conflict between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar military junta. The family was in the process of constructing a temporary shelter in the Moringajhiri area when the boy, playing alone, encountered the explosive device.

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He found a mortar shell and started playing with it, mistaking it for a toy. The device exploded, killing him on the spot.

Authorities believe Satnaing mistook the mortar shell for a toy, leading to the fatal accident. His parents were present in the field at the time of the explosion. Locals recovered the body and brought it to the Baishphari area. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Unexploded device from past clashes between the Arakan Army and Myanmar's military junta may still be scattered across several border areas.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials confirmed the explosion and stated that the matter is being treated with high importance. Local officials expressed concern that remnants of past clashes may still be scattered across border areas, urging authorities to implement measures for identifying and removing hazardous explosives to prevent future casualties. This incident underscores the perilous environment faced by refugees and border communities.

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The matter is being treated with utmost importance and necessary measures have been taken.