Rangamati
has turned into a battleground following clashes between Indigenous and Bengali
groups in the Bonrupa Market area, the city’s main hub. Reports of violence
have also emerged from other locations, including the Happy Mor and Bijon Sarani
in the district town. In response, the district administration has imposed
Section 144 in the city.
Since
the morning of Friday (September 20), the situation has remained tense
throughout the district town, with most shops closed. Additionally, there have
been reports of arson and vandalism in several areas.
Local
sources shared that in protest against the fire and clashes at the Boalkhali
Market in Dighinala, Khagrachari, Indigenous students staged a rally in
Rangamati on Friday morning. The situation escalated when stones were thrown
during the procession, leading to confrontations between the two groups.
Reports
indicate that over fifty individuals from both sides have sustained injuries.
While the clashes have subsided, people from both factions are still seen on
the streets armed with sticks. The atmosphere in the city remains charged, and
the military has been deployed.
Mohammad
Mosharraf Hossain Khan, the Rangamati District Commissioner, stated that
reports of isolated incidents are coming in from various areas of the city. He
noted that it is difficult to provide specific details at this time and that
more information will be available once the situation stabilizes. Section 144
has been imposed to maintain law and order.
Additional
Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md. Saiful Islam reported that the
military, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are on the ground, and the
law and order situation is currently under control. Section 144 has been
imposed in the municipal area, and they have yet to gather comprehensive
information about the incident’s origin.