A wave of ethnic violence has swept through a remote border region in Bangladesh, leaving at least four people dead after clashes between Bangladeshi troops and a tribal group. The latest violence, according to residents and Bangladeshi media, was ignited by the lynching of a Bengali-speaking man, allegedly caught stealing a motorbike. This sparked retaliatory attacks targeting shops and businesses owned by the tribal community, setting the region ablaze.
To quell the escalating violence, authorities have imposed a curfew in the Khagrachhari municipal town and the district’s Sadar area, starting from 2 pm on Friday. “The district administration has taken the step to stop all kinds of violence,” stated Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md Shahiduzzaman, quoted by BD news.
According to a military statement, the incident unfolded when a group of tribal people, led by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) rebel group, attempted to prevent soldiers from transporting a dying man to the hospital. The UPDF rebels, the statement claimed, “opened fire on an army patrol.” In response, the soldiers retaliated, resulting in casualties. The statement confirmed the deaths of three individuals and multiple injuries in the exchange of fire, without specifying the identities of those killed.
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and the loss of life. “The government is deeply saddened and distressed by the ongoing attacks, and loss of lives, death of an individual after a mob attack,” he stated. Assuring accountability, he added, “All the incidents related to violence will be investigated and the responsible individuals will be brought to justice.”
This recent outbreak of violence highlights the long-standing tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region inhabited by indigenous tribes. For decades, rebel groups fought for a separate homeland in the region, culminating in a 1997 peace deal. Despite the agreement and the withdrawal of most troops, unrest continues as tribal groups demand the implementation of key clauses, including the dismantling of settlers’ villages and army camps. The UPDF, an armed group that rejected the peace deal, continues its fight for regional autonomy and the complete withdrawal of military bases.
Last month, hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus attempted to flee to India after their homes and businesses were vandalized following the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hindus constitute approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s predominantly Muslim population of 170 million. Historically, the Hindu community has largely supported Hasina’s secular Awami League party, rather than the opposition bloc, which includes a hardline Islamist party.
