Khagrachari, Oct 06 (V7N) – Acting on specific intelligence, a team of the Bangladesh Army carried out a search operation at a secret hideout of the United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) in the deep jungle of Juboneshwar Para, Panchhari Upazila, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts early Monday morning.

The operation began at around 5 am, but the local UPDF commander, Sumen Chakma, managed to escape upon sensing the army’s presence, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the search, the army recovered:

  • 1 pistol and 1 magazine

  • 2 rounds of ammunition

  • 15 UPDF banners

  • 2 walkie-talkie chargers and 2 mobile phones

  • Sharp weapons and other equipment used by armed members

The ISPR statement further alleged that the UPDF had been coercing local men, women, students, and schoolgirls to chant anti-army slogans in an attempt to disrupt army activities. Observations from the past few days indicate a systematic attempt by the UPDF and its affiliates to involve women and children in subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The army confirmed that operations are continuing to track and apprehend armed members who fled. The ISPR emphasized that the Bangladesh Army remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty of the country and ensuring the safety of all ethnic communities in the region.

END/SMA/AJ