In the wake of growing tensions and violent clashes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of Bangladesh, which have claimed four lives, the Bangladesh Army has issued a public appeal, urging for peace and harmony.
The volatile situation, stemming from historical disputes and recent incidents of violence, has prompted authorities to implement stringent measures to control the unrest. Despite the efforts, the underlying tensions remain, with the possibility of further escalation looming.
History of Conflict in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), home to various ethnic groups, have a long history of tension and conflict. In 1997, a peace accord was signed between the Bangladesh government and the Parbatta Chattagram Jana Sanghatti Samiti (PCJSS), the largest tribal group in the region, which previously controlled the Santibahini militia.
However, this accord was not accepted by all factions, notably the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), which rejected the agreement. This division has led to sporadic violence over the years, with tensions periodically resurfacing between hill people and Bengali settlers.
The current unrest, sparked by the killing of Noor Nabi’s father, Md. Mamun, on September 18 in Khagrachari district, has intensified the long-standing ethnic tensions. Mamun, who was accused of stealing a motorcycle, was beaten to death by a mob. This incident was followed by a protest march organized by students of Dighinala Degree College, which quickly escalated into violence.
As the procession moved through Boalkhali Bazar in Dighinala, UPDF (Original) terrorists allegedly opened fire, triggering retaliation from the mob. The ensuing violence resulted in injuries on both sides and the destruction of shops in Boalkhali Bazar. The army, alongside law enforcement, managed to control the situation, but the damage was already done. The violence soon spread to other areas, including Khagrachari and Panchari, fueled by rumors and misinformation spread on social media.
Bangladesh Army Steps In to Control the Violence
In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladesh Army issued an urgent appeal for peace, cautioning that the unrest could spiral into further riots. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) released a statement, calling on leading individuals in the community to assist law enforcement in restoring calm in the region. “Necessary legal action will be taken after identifying the real culprits through a proper investigation. We especially request the public to maintain peace and harmony in the three hill districts,” the statement read.
The army’s intervention came amid reports of continued clashes between hill people and Bengali settlers, with both sides suffering casualties. Army patrols arrived at various conflict zones, including Khagrachari district headquarters, where tensions were at their highest.
They worked in conjunction with fire brigades and locals to extinguish fires set during the riots, but the situation remains fragile. The ISPR also reported that UPDF terrorists fired upon an army patrol team while they were transporting an unconscious patient, leading to a retaliatory response that resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
With violence spreading across multiple districts, the government was forced to impose Section 144 in two hill districts, banning large assemblies and protests. This legal measure was coupled with heightened surveillance and patrols by law enforcement agencies in an attempt to restore order. Although no significant protests were reported on Friday afternoon, tensions remained palpable, and the possibility of further clashes was not ruled out.
Government Response and High-Level Delegation Visit
The escalating violence has drawn the attention of the Bangladeshi interim government, which expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and property. The government called on all forces to show maximum restraint and ensure the safety and security of residents in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In an effort to de-escalate the situation and assess the damage, a high-level government delegation, led by Home Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, is scheduled to visit the conflict-ridden region.
The delegation includes key advisors, such as Supradip Chakma, Local Government Advisor AF Hassan Ariff, and Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on Defence and National Unity Development.
Their visit is aimed at conducting a thorough review of the situation and devising strategies to prevent further violence. The delegation will also engage with local leaders, law enforcement, and military officials to ensure coordinated efforts in restoring peace and stability to the region. The administration has emphasized that legal action will be taken against those found responsible for inciting violence, and efforts are underway to investigate the root causes of the unrest.
Fear and Uncertainty Grip the Region
Despite the presence of security forces and the imposition of Section 144, the atmosphere in the affected areas remains tense. The residents of Larma Square in Dighinala, one of the epicenters of the violence, have expressed fear and uncertainty about their future. On Thursday, the area was engulfed in flames as clashes led to the torching of several shops. While shopkeepers have begun sifting through the ashes to salvage what they can, the usual bustle of Larma Square has been replaced by an eerie silence.
The violence also led to the deaths of three individuals in Khagrachari district, identified as Dhananjay Chakma (50), Rubel Tripura (25), and Junan Chakma (20).
The deaths have sparked further outrage among the hill people, with thousands marching in protest in Rangamati town. Tensions between hill people and Bengali settlers continue to simmer, and without decisive intervention, the conflict could reignite.
As Bangladesh grapples with this ongoing crisis, the need for long-term peace and reconciliation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has become more apparent.
While the government’s efforts to quell the violence may provide temporary relief, addressing the deep-seated grievances of the region’s ethnic groups will be crucial for lasting peace.
