Public Urged to Help De-escalate Tensions in Bangladesh’s Hill Districts

Amid escalating tensions and violence in Bangladesh’s hilly regions, which have resulted in four deaths, the Bangladesh Army has issued an urgent appeal to the public for peace and harmony.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) cautioned, “The ongoing tension could escalate into violent riots across the three hill districts. Community leaders are strongly urged to assist law enforcement agencies in de-escalating the situation.”

The army reassured that “necessary legal action will be taken against the real culprits following a thorough investigation.” They specifically requested that residents maintain peace and stability in the affected areas.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) has a long history of conflict. In 1997, the Bangladesh government signed a peace accord with the Parbatta Chattagram Jana Sanghatti Samiti, the largest tribal group. However, some smaller factions, including the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), rejected the agreement.

On September 18, a local named Md. Mamun (30), father of a deceased individual named Noor Nabi, was killed in a mob assault in Khagrachari district over a motorcycle theft. His body was subsequently recovered by police and returned to his family after a post-mortem.

Following this incident, a protest march was organized on September 19, which was attacked by UPDF (Original) members, who fired 20-30 shots at the procession in Boalkhali Bazar. This led to an angry mob setting fire to several shops in the area.

According to reports, six individuals from both sides were injured during the confrontation and received treatment at local health facilities. Army patrols arrived to restore order and extinguish the fires with the assistance of firefighters and local residents.

The situation remains tense in Khagrachari, Dighinala, Panchari, and surrounding areas, with some individuals spreading rumors on social media, further exacerbating the unrest. The statement noted that UPDF (Original) members fired upon army patrols in Khagrachari town while attempting to transport an unconscious patient, prompting a retaliatory response from the army. This exchange reportedly resulted in three deaths and additional injuries.