CHT clashes leave 4 dead, over 50 injured; section 144 imposed

Violent clashes erupted in the hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati yesterday, leaving four people dead and over fifty injured.

The incidents, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, led to heightened tensions and heavy law enforcement deployment in both regions. Amid deteriorating situation, local administrations imposed Section 144 in the two districts. 

In Khagrachhari, clashes on Thursday night claimed the lives of three people—Junan Chakma, 20, Dhananjay Chakma, 50, and Rubel, 30. Nine others were injured.

According to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital's resident doctor, Ripple Bappi Chakma, 12 people were brought to the hospital after the clashes, of whom three succumbed to their injuries.

Four critically injured individuals, some with gunshot wounds, were referred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

Chittagong Medical College Hospital Director Brig Gen Md Taslim Uddin told The Business Standard that three people were brought here from Khagrachhari. Of them two had bullet wounds in their legs and another person had bullet wounds in the shoulder.

Witnesses reported heavy gunfire in the Narankhaiya area of Khagrachhari Sadar around 10:30pm, causing panic among locals. However, the identities of those involved in the shooting remain unclear.

Earlier that day, tensions escalated following the death of Md Mamun, who was beaten to death on suspicion of theft. In response, students organised a protest rally where provocative speeches were made, igniting arguments between the Bengali and ethnic minorities.

During the clash, about 50 shops at Larma Square in Dighinala upazila were set on fire by arsonists. Five people were injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Rangamati, violent unrest yesterday left one person dead and more than fifty injured, reports UNB.

The identity of the deceased is yet to be confirmed, according to Dr Sadia Akhtar of Rangamati General Hospital.

Tensions flared after local students staged a protest march in response to the attacks in Khagrachhari. As the protest reached Bonorupa market, rumours spread, triggering widespread panic. Several businesses in the market were attacked, and some were set on fire. 

Both districts remain under heavy surveillance, with law enforcement agencies working to prevent further violence.

Section 144 imposed

In a public notice, signed by Rangamati District Magistrate Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan, Section 144 was imposed in the municipal areas of Rangamati from 1pm yesterday until further notice.

In another notice, signed by Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Sujan Chandra Roy, the section was imposed in the municipal areas of Khagrachhari from 2pm to 9pm yesterday. 

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md Sahiduzzaman told The Business Standard that the army and BGB had been deployed there to control the situation.

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) empowers authorities to impose restrictions in situations threatening public order or safety. Violating it can result in legal action.