5-member committee formed to probe Khagrachhari unrest
Alongside the investigation, the administration is also working to assess the extent of damage and provide financial assistance and rehabilitation to the families of the victims
The Khagrachhari district administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate the clash at Ramsu Bazar in Guimara upazila on Sunday (28 September), which left three people dead, 16 others injured, and at least 85 shops and houses burnt to ashes.
Alongside the investigation, the administration is also working to assess the extent of damage and provide financial assistance and rehabilitation to the families of the victims.
Speaking to journalists during a relief distribution programme at Ramsu Bazar this afternoon (30 September), Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker said, "We visited the area yesterday right after the incident, and today we have come again with some relief to stand beside the victims. The injured have already been sent to Chattogram for advanced treatment, while the process of rehabilitating the families of the deceased is ongoing."
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3 shot dead amid protest against schoolgirl's rape in Khagrachhari, shops torched at Guimara Bazar
"To ensure a fair investigation, the district administration has formed a five-member committee. We have also held meetings with leaders of the protesting Jumma Chhatra-Janata. We are working to bring about a peaceful solution through discussions. Among the eight demands raised by the protesters, we have already started working on seven," he added.
Regarding the withdrawal of Section 144, the deputy commissioner said, "We are also considering their demand to lift Section 144. But the ongoing blockade is the main obstacle. Once the blockade is withdrawn and the law and order situation returns to normal, we will lift the restriction."
Local Marma residents present at the event urged the authorities to restore normalcy and address the prevailing trust deficit. They complained that since the incident, they have been unable to leave their villages and that even their relatives cannot come to visit them.
They also called for relief from harassment in cases filed against the injured.
Responding to this, Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel said, "The police are working to improve the law and order situation. The families of the deceased have been asked to file cases. If they do not want to, the police will file cases on their behalf."
Khagrachhari Zila Parishad Chairman Shefalika Tripura stressed, "All parties need to come forward to overcome the crisis of trust. We must avoid conflict and show solidarity."
The unrest in Khagrachhari began on 24 September when Jumma Chhatra-Janata called for the punishment of those allegedly involved in the gang rape of a Marma schoolgirl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar a day earlier.
According to the victim's father, the girl went missing while returning home from private tuition and was later found unconscious in a field around 11pm. She was admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
Police said one suspect, Shayan Sheel, was arrested with the help of the army and placed on a five-day remand, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects.
Demonstrations following the incident escalated into road blockades and clashes, forcing the authorities to impose Section 144 on 27 September.
Protests erupt in Khagrachhari over gang rape of schoolgirl; blockade called for tomorrow
During the blockade, three Marma residents were shot dead, and at least 16 others, including law enforcers, were injured in Ramsu Bazar. Miscreants also set fire to shops and houses, leaving at least 85 establishments completely burnt.
The bodies of the deceased were cremated on Monday night following post-mortem examinations.
