At least 3 people were killed and 9 others injured as violence erupted in the Khagrachhariand Rangamatihill districts on Friday.
The bodies of the deceased are in the Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital. Of the 9 injured, 4 have been referred to Chottogram. The rest are receiving treatment at the Khagrachhari hospital.
According to local sources, last night around 10:30 pm, the sound of extensive gunfire was heard in the NaranKhkhaiya and Swarnirbhar areas of the district town. Panic spread throughout the area, and a tense situation prevailed.
However, no one confirmed who was involved in the shooting. Later that night, 12 people were brought to the Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital. Among them, JunanChakma (20), DhananjayChakma (50), and Rubel (30) died while undergoing treatment.
Dr. Ripple BappiChakma, resident physician of Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital confirmed the matter. He informed that four critically injured people have been referred to Chattogram. Some of the injured have bullet wounds.
It has been reported that JunanChakma and Rubel were from KhagrachhariSadar, while DhananjayChakma’s home was in Dighinala.
Earlier, on Thursday afternoon, miscreants set fire to the Larma Square market in Dighinala, burning over 50 businesses, following a dispute between two groups. Five people were injured in the incident.
On Wednesday in KhagrachhariSadar, following the beating and killing of Md. Mamun over theft allegations, Bengali students protested in Dighinala on Thursday afternoon. This led to clashes between two groups. Currently, patrols have been intensified in various parts of the district by the army and law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Commissioner Md. Shahiduzzaman stated that the army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to calm the situation.
Meanwhile, in the wake of escalating tensions from a clash in Khagrachhari’sDighinala, the Rangamati District Administration has imposed Section 144, effectively banning public gatherings and restricting movement to control the situation.
The unrest in Rangamati erupted earlier Friday when a group of hill students organised a protest in Banarupa, demanding justice for the Dighinala incident. As the protestors marched through the town, violence ensued, leading to vandalism of several vehicles and shops. In response, local Bengalis attempted to resist, sparking a violent confrontation between the two sides. The clash resulted in several injuries and incidents of arson in multiple shops.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence escalated quickly, with protestors attacking vehicles and property. The situation prompted immediate intervention by security forces. Army personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. Despite their efforts, tension remains high across the town.
The joint patrol team of police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance to prevent further violence. However, public movement and vehicle operations in the town have significantly decreased since the clashes.
To ensure peace and security, the Rangamati District Administration has enforced Section 144, prohibiting gatherings and public assembly until further notice. The measure is aimed at preventing further unrest as authorities closely monitor the evolving situation.
