Rangamati, Mar 09 (V7N) — The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of the recent reconstitution of the Rangamati Hill District Council, which appointed members from select communities rather than from each upazila. Additionally, the court has barred two members, Pranati Ranjan Khisa and Rangabi Tangchangga, from performing their duties.

A double bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury issued the order on Sunday (March 9). The ruling questions why the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs’ notification (29,00,000,000,214,18,0022,24,119, dated November 7, 2024) should not be declared unconstitutional and illegal.

The council’s restructuring has drawn criticism for favoring certain communities, including individuals with criminal allegations, instead of appointing representatives from all ten upazilas. This sparked protests across Jurachhari, Barkal, Kaukhali, and Rajasthali upazilas, where demonstrators submitted memorandums demanding fair representation.

The High Court’s ruling follows a writ petition filed on behalf of local residents by advocates Rajib Chakma, Jasim Uddin, Pulin Bihari Chakma, and Uthan Marma.

Lawyers Md. Sultan Uddin, Nicholas Chakma, and Ratan Kumar represented the petitioners in court. Confirming the ruling, Md. Sultan Uddin stated that the legal challenge reflects the broader concerns of the region’s residents.

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