The Bangladesh Army has reaffirmed its “firm commitment” to protecting the country’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of all communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) following recent violence in Khagrachhari.
In a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, the army urged political leaders and residents of all ethnic groups to show restraint and cooperate with law enforcement to restore peace. It alleged that the violence was part of a “larger conspiracy” to destabilise the CHT through communal riots, blaming the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and its affiliates for orchestrating unrest.
According to the statement, tensions began with protests on 19 September, marking the anniversary of motorcyclist Mamun’s killing, and escalated further after a 23 September rape allegation in Singinala, which the UPDF allegedly exploited to mobilise demonstrations and road blockades.
On 27–28 September, UPDF supporters reportedly engaged in vandalism, roadblocks, and armed clashes in Khagrachhari town and Guimara upazila, targeting ambulances and security forces. At least three army officers, seven soldiers, and several Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel were injured. The army said UPDF’s armed wing also opened fire with automatic weapons near Ramsu Bazar on 28 September, firing 100–150 rounds at locals, Bengali residents, and troops, leaving several wounded.
The statement added that arson attacks took place in Ramsu Bazar and nearby homes, while a BGB checkpost in Kaptai seized a bus carrying a large consignment of homemade weapons allegedly linked to UPDF members.
Despite repeated provocations, the army said its personnel acted with “patience, restraint and humanity,” deploying reinforcements to restore order.
“The recent chain of incidents demonstrates a deliberate attempt to destabilise the CHT through communal riots,” the statement read. It stressed that, despite “false propaganda and incitement,” the army remains determined to protect sovereignty and will take “any necessary measures” to ensure stability in the region.
