Bangladesh Army Calls for Peace Amid Violence in Chittagong Hill Tracts
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Amidst rising tensions and violence in Bangladesh’s hilly regions, which have resulted in four deaths, the Bangladesh Army has appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony.
Army’s Appeal
The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) issued a statement urging leading individuals to assist law enforcement agencies in de-escalating the ongoing tension. The statement emphasized that necessary legal action would be taken after identifying the real culprits through a proper investigation.
Background of the Conflict
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have a long history of conflicts. In 1997, the Bangladesh government signed a peace accord with Parbatta Chattagram Jana Sanghatti Samiti, the largest tribal group controlling the Santibahini militia. However, some smaller groups, including the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), rejected the accord.
Recent Incidents
On September 18, Md. Mamun, the father of deceased Noor Nabi, was killed in a mass thrashing over a motorcycle theft in Khagrachari district headquarters. The body was recovered by Sadar police station and handed over to the family after a post-mortem.
The next day, a protest march from Dighinala College was attacked by UPDF (original) terrorists, leading to a clash where six people were injured. The angry mob set fire to some shops in Boalkhali Bazar. Army patrols, with the help of the fire brigade and local people, brought the situation under control.
Escalation of Violence
Tension spread in Khagrachari district headquarters, Dighinala, Panchari, and surrounding areas. Rumors on social media further escalated the situation. UPDF (Original) terrorists fired on an Army patrol team in Khagrachari town, resulting in three deaths and several injuries.
Doubts Revealed
Bangladesh Army -: The Bangladesh Army is the military force of Bangladesh, responsible for defending the country and maintaining peace.
Chittagong Hill Tracts -: The Chittagong Hill Tracts is a region in southeastern Bangladesh known for its hills and diverse ethnic groups.
Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate -: This is a department in the Bangladesh military that communicates with the public and media about military activities.
de-escalate -: To de-escalate means to reduce the intensity of a conflict or dangerous situation.
UPDF terrorists -: UPDF stands for United People’s Democratic Front, a group in the Chittagong Hill Tracts that sometimes uses violence to achieve its goals.
social media rumors -: These are unverified pieces of information spread through platforms like Facebook or Twitter, which can sometimes cause panic or confusion.
