Dhaka, Sep 20 (V7N) – The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed that three people were killed and several others injured on Thursday night in Khagrachhari after an army patrol team was attacked by UPDF (Main) terrorists in the Swanirvor area of the town.

The ISPR stated that the army patrol team had arrived in the Swanirvor area around 10:30 PM on September 19 to assist a patient in critical condition. A group led by UPDF (Main) members obstructed their movement, leading to an altercation. The UPDF members eventually opened fire on the army team, forcing them to retaliate in self-defense, resulting in the deaths and injuries, according to the ISPR press release.

The tension escalated following the lynching of Md Mamun on September 18, after he was accused of stealing a motorcycle in Khagrachhari district. On September 19, a protest procession was organized by students from Dighinala College, demanding justice for Mamun's murder. However, as the procession passed Boalkhali Bazar in Dighinala, it was attacked by UPDF (Main) members who reportedly fired 20-30 shots at the mourners. In response, enraged individuals set several shops in Boalkhali Bazar ablaze.

Six individuals were injured in the clash and were transported to Dighinala Upazilla Health Complex and Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital. An army patrol team was dispatched to restore order. The ISPR noted that certain groups had exacerbated the situation by spreading false information on social media.

In Rangamati, following the Khagrachhari incident, locals under the Hill Students Movement banner organized a protest. A procession of around 800-1,000 individuals marched towards the Bonrupa area, where they attacked Agrani Bank, Janata Bank, a mosque, and damaged CNG-run auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and several shops, some of which were set on fire. Multiple people were injured in the chaos.

To control the unrest, authorities imposed Section 144 in Rangamati district’s sadar area.

The ISPR expressed concern over the potential for large-scale riots in the three hill districts due to these incidents and urged local leaders to support law enforcement efforts in maintaining peace and stability.

END/MSS/