3 shot dead amid protest against schoolgirl's rape in Khagrachhari, shops torched at Guimara Bazar
The home ministry expressed regret over the casualties and pledged that legal action would be taken against those responsible following an immediate investigation.
Highlights:
- Home Ministry regrets deaths, vows legal action
- Police confirm victims were shot, details still unclear
- Army says UPDF instigated violence to provoke communal unrest
- Clash erupted during blockade; gunfire heard, shops set ablaze
- Witnesses allege law enforcers opened fire; masked attackers looted and torched houses
At least three people were killed and over 16 injured in Khagrachhari's Guimara upazila today (28 September) as violence flared up during a dawn-to-dusk road blockade demanding justice for the rape of a schoolgirl despite Section 144 being in force.
Among the injured are 13 army personnel and three policemen, according to a home ministry statement.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The ministry expressed deep sorrow over the killing of three people from the ethnic community and the injury of 13 army personnel, including a major, three police officers, including the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, and several others in what it called "an attack by miscreants" in Guimara upazila.
The ministry assured that a prompt investigation will be conducted and legal action will be taken against those involved in the incident, vowing that no perpetrator will be spared. It also urged all concerned to remain calm and exercise patience until the investigation is completed.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Chattogram Range) Ahsan Habib Palash told TBS in the evening that the bodies of three men had been taken to Khagrachhari District Hospital. "We have confirmed three deaths by gunfire, but details of who opened fire or how it happened are still unclear," he said.
The Bangladesh Army in a statement issued tonight said that the violence was instigated by the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and its affiliates, who attempted to provoke communal unrest through blockades, clashes, arson, and armed attacks.
The statement alleged that UPDF was coercing women and schoolchildren into disruptive activities and transporting illegal arms into the hills.
"Between 19 and 28 September 2025, incidents in Khagrachhari and Guimara appear to have been exploited, without recourse to law, as part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise the hill tracts and incite communal riots. Various evidence related to this matter is preserved with the law enforcement agencies," the statement read.
The army urged political leaders and all communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to remain calm, cooperate with security forces, and reject incitement.
Meanwhile, in a joint statement, two Marma organisations denied involvement in the clashes, and called on everyone to remain calm.
What locals, witnesses say?
Quoting locals, BBC Bangla reported that activists and supporters of the Jumma Students' Movement staged a road blockade in Guimara this morning, as previously announced, in protest against the alleged gang-rape.
Around 10am, army personnel arrived at the scene and spoke with the protesters about why the blockade continued despite the suspects' arrest, said the report.
According to the report, a clash soon broke out, during which heavy gunfire was heard. Several shops were also set on fire, while some army members were reportedly injured in a brick-throwing attack.
Meanwhile, several shops and houses were attacked and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses Mangsajai Marma and Kanjri Marma told Prothom Alo they had been peacefully demonstrating in front of the food warehouse in support of the blockade when law enforcement officers arrived and an argument ensued.
During the altercation, they alleged, law enforcers opened fire, prompting people to flee in panic.
Soon after, around 20-25 individuals, some of them masked, stormed Ramesu Bazar and nearby houses, allegedly looting before setting them ablaze.
Jumma Chhatra Janta organiser Suchisai told Samakal that after noon, clashes erupted between locals and law enforcers, leading to chase and counter-chase. During the confrontation, pellet shots were fired, leaving six to seven people seriously injured.
Earlier in the day, there were reports that violent clashes took place between law enforcers and Jumma Chhatra Janata in the upazila during a protest over the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl.
Adviser Supradip vows legal action against rapists, armed criminals in CHT
A meeting was convened at the Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner's office this afternoon in response to the recent unrest in the district following the alleged rape of a female student.
After the meeting, Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Adviser Supradip Chakma warned that crime will never be tolerated in the CHT region.
He affirmed that strict legal action will be taken against rapists, perpetrators of violence against women, armed criminals and extortionists.
He emphasised that action must be taken against the actual offenders as per the law. "We must never allow intolerance to take root in our society."
Jumma Chhatra Janta not involved in violence: Two Marma orgs issue joint statement
Two organisations of the Marma community have issued a joint statement condemning recent violence in Khagrachhari and urging all communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to remain united and peaceful.
The statement, issued by the Marma Unnayan Sangsad and the Bangladesh Marma Oikya Parishad, said the rape of a Marma schoolgirl in Khagrachhari's Singinala area on 23 September had deeply shocked the community.
However, they expressed concern over the subsequent blockade, clashes, and violence on 26-27 September under the banner of "Jumma Chhatra Janata."
The organisations stressed that the Marma community and their platforms are not involved in the incidents and do not support communal conflict. They alleged that certain vested groups are using the name of "Jumma Chhatra Janta" to create instability in the region.
They called on the government and administration to immediately arrest those responsible for the gang rape and ensure a speedy trial.
They urged the organisers of the blockade to withdraw their programme, keeping in mind the lives, property, and safety of ordinary people and respecting the Durga Puja festival.
At the same time, they appealed to all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, to remain calm and tolerant, avoid provocation, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in restoring peace.
Indefinite road blockade amid Section 144 remains in force
The district administration imposed Section 144 from 2pm yesterday in Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila, and Guimara upazila, citing a "serious deterioration of law and order and risk of harm to lives and property." It has been extended indefinitely.
The protests began on Wednesday (24 September), when Jumma Chhatra-Janata demanded justice for the gang rape of a Marma girl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila.
During Saturday's blockade, protesters and counter-groups clashed in Sadar Upazila Parishad, Mohajan Para, Narikel Bagan, Chengi Square, and Shahid Kader Road.
According to media reports, at least 25 people were injured, one critically, and several shops in Swanirbhar and Narikel Bagan were attacked.
1 arrested over the gang rape
According to the survivor's father, his daughter went missing while returning from private tuition on Tuesday night (23 September). She was later found unconscious in a field and admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
Police said a 19-year-old suspect, Shayan Sheel, was arrested with the help of the army and placed on a five-day remand. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects.
