Dhaka, Sep 21 (V7N) – AF Hassan Ariff, Adviser to the Interim Government's Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Ministry, has claimed that external forces are conspiring to disrupt peace and harmony in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), particularly in Rangamati.

Speaking to journalists following a meeting with local political leaders, ethnic groups, and security officials at the Prantik Hall of the Rangamati Cantonment, the adviser revealed that the meeting lasted around three hours and discussed the ongoing unrest in the region.

“Everyone at the meeting expressed a desire for peace, but we are unsure where the disruptions are coming from. The common belief is that an external conspiracy is at play to undermine our harmony,” Ariff explained.

He further added that a high-level investigative committee is being formed to uncover the parties responsible for the conspiracy, promising strict action against those found involved.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Rtd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury echoed similar sentiments, stressing that a powerful investigative committee would be established. "We will not allow the law and order situation to deteriorate. We call for everyone’s cooperation in maintaining peace, and anyone disrupting it will face serious consequences," he warned.

The home adviser urged journalists to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining law and order. The meeting was also attended by Supradip Chakma, former ambassador and adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.

Earlier in the day, the home adviser and other officials arrived at the BGB Headquarters by helicopter to assess the situation firsthand.

Following clashes in Rangamati on Friday, joint patrols by the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police have been intensified. The imposition of Section 144 has kept the situation calm, preventing public gatherings.

Meanwhile, an indefinite transport strike has been imposed, halting vehicular movement on main roads, though personal vehicles continue to operate on internal roads.

END/MSS/