RANGAMATI, Sept 9 (V7N) — The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed organisation opposed to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, collects around Tk 20 crore in extortion every month from Rangamati district alone, Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, SPP, AFWC, PSC, commander of the Rangamati Region, has claimed.
He also questioned the organisation’s activities, saying there had been no visible significant relief efforts by the UPDF for people affected by recent floods and other natural disasters in the region despite the alleged collection of a large amount of money.
The army commander made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Rangamati Champions League Football Tournament 2026 at Mari Stadium in Rangamati on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Referring to recent statements made on social media by UPDF spokesperson Michael Chakma concerning various development activities undertaken by the Bangladesh Army in the hill districts, Brigadier General Nazmul Haque said the organisation claims to be working for the rights of the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, while allegations have been raised that it collects substantial amounts of money through extortion.
He questioned why the organisation was carrying out such activities when, according to him, no significant relief operations by the UPDF had been visible during recent floods and disasters affecting local communities.
Describing the UPDF as a “terrorist organisation”, the region commander alleged that extortion was its primary activity. He urged residents of the hill districts to remain alert and vigilant.
Issuing a stern message to the UPDF, Brigadier General Nazmul Haque said, “Do not harass the people. You do not need to confront the army. The people of the hills have already started resisting you, and they will stand up against you.”
The region commander also highlighted various welfare initiatives undertaken by the army for people living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. He said the army’s activities were not limited to security operations or sports programmes, but also included healthcare and skills development.
According to him, the army has been organising health services and free medical camps in remote areas, along with paramedic training, sewing training for women, cataract operations and technical training in machine repair and mechanical fitting.
He said the army had also assisted people during recent heavy rainfall, floods and other disasters, including rescuing those stranded by floodwaters.
“The army loves the country, loves the region and loves the people of the region,” he said.
Speaking about the importance of sports, Brigadier General Nazmul Haque said involving young people in sporting activities was important for developing discipline, teamwork and leadership skills. He expressed hope that Rangamati would produce athletes capable of competing at the national level in the future.
The Rangamati Champions League Football Tournament 2026 has been organised under the slogan, “Competition on the field, harmony beyond the field”. Young players from different communities across the district’s 10 upazilas are taking part in the tournament.
The opening match saw the football teams of Barkal and Langadu upazilas face each other. The tournament created a festive atmosphere at Mari Stadium, with local sports enthusiasts attending the event.
Organisers said they hoped the tournament would strengthen friendship, mutual understanding and social harmony among young people from different communities in the hill region. They also expect the event to encourage young people to engage in sports and help keep them away from drugs and social deterioration.
Rangamati Hill District Council Chairman Dipan Talukdar, Deputy Commissioner Ms Nazma Ashrafi, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Abdur Rakib, PPM, Colonel Mohammad Sadat Bin Shahid, PSC, of the DGFI Rangamati, and sports organiser and Rangamati District BNP Vice-President Saiful Islam Bhuttu, among other distinguished guests, attended the programme.
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