Rangamati, Nov 18 (V7N) – Demonstrators demanding an end to alleged nepotism, irregular appointments, and quota manipulation clashed with the chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council, highlighting growing tensions over the council’s governance practices.

Tensions escalated at the Rangamati Hill District Council when members of the local civic alliance submitted a memorandum protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment practices, including favoritism, nepotism, and the misuse of quota systems. The protesters called for appointments to be made based on merit, citing a government directive issued in September to reserve 7 percent of positions under quota and fill the remaining 93 percent based on merit.

In response, Council Chairman Kajol Talukdar firmly stated that the council would operate according to its own legal framework, rather than following any government ministry directives. During a brief verbal exchange with the protest leaders, Talukdar reiterated that the district council’s own law governs its operations, expressing his refusal to allow photographs with the protesters submitting the memorandum.

The demonstration intensified outside the council premises, with protesters shouting slogans accusing the chairman of anti-Bengali bias and vowing to continue their agitation. They declared plans to besiege the council and disrupt all activities until their demands are met.

The protest march had begun from the Rangamati Court Building, proceeding along the Rangamati–Chittagong road to the district council. Demonstrators raised concerns over corruption, mismanagement, and irregular recruitment practices within the council, highlighting longstanding grievances regarding transparency and accountability in local governance.

The incident underscores the growing friction between local civic groups and council authorities over governance practices, recruitment transparency, and the application of quota systems in the Rangamati Hill District.

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