The death of a Border Guard Bangladesh soldier in a landmine blast allegedly planted by Myanmar’s Arakan Army must be a turning point for Dhaka.
The explosion near Naikhongchhari in Bandarban on October 12 killed Nayek Akhtar Hossain and exposed the growing danger along the frontier. With 65 Bangladeshis injured by landmines and 235 fishermen abducted this year, the Arakan Army has turned the border into a war zone.
Diplomatic protests have failed to stop the attacks.
Bangladesh should launch a coordinated plan to neutralize the threat through intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted security operations. It must also strengthen mine-clearing and maritime patrol efforts to protect its citizens. The time for patience is over.
Dhaka needs a clear, forceful policy to restore control, defend national sovereignty, and send a message that foreign militants will not be allowed to endanger Bangladeshis again.