5 abducted CU students freed after 8 days in captivity
The PCP expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to securing the students’ release
Five students from Chittagong University (CU) who were abducted from Khagrachhari have been released after eight days in captivity.
Khagrachari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel confirmed their release this afternoon (24 April). However, he did not provide any further details regarding the matter.
Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP) President Nipon Tripura also informed reporters of the students' release around 3pm.
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A press statement issued by Rebek Chakma, information and publicity secretary of PCP's Chittagong University unit, confirmed that PCP CU branch member Rishan Chakma and four fellow students — Maitrimoy Chakma (Fine Arts), Divyi Chakma (Drama), Longi Mro (Zoology), and Aldrin Tripura (Fine Arts) — were released in phases.
The PCP expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to securing the students' release.
According to the statement, students from various departments, along with progressive individuals and student organisations, led a campus-wide movement demanding their safe return. Mounting public pressure ultimately compelled the abductors to release them.
The five students were abducted on 16 April at 6:30am from the Giriful area of Sadar Upazila in Khagrachari while returning to Chattogram after celebrating the Biju festival.
A driver accompanying them was also initially taken but was later released.
While a faction of the PCP loyal to Santu Lalma had accused the rival United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) of orchestrating the abduction, the UPDF faction led by Prasit Khisa denied any involvement.
Students had been staging continuous protests in the three hill districts, demanding the safe return of their fellows.
