3 killed in Khagrachhari attacks, tensions escalate in hills

At least three people were killed and several others injured in an armed attack by miscreants in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari district on Sunday.

The identities of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately.

In an official statement issued Sunday evening, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the killings and sympathy for those injured, including an army major, 13 army personnel, the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, three other policemen, and several others.

The ministry assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice following a proper investigation, vowing that “no offender will be spared.” It also urged all concerned to remain calm and patient until legal measures are taken.

Meanwhile, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma called on both hill communities and Bengali residents to unite in facing the evolving situation.

He made the appeal at a special law and order meeting held Sunday at the Khagrachhari District Administration’s conference room.

The meeting discussed measures to restore peace and stability in the region.

The adviser stressed the need for strict administrative action to maintain law and order in the hills and prevent further loss of life or property. He also urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant so that such incidents do not recur.

Amid rising public anxiety, heavy deployments of army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police have been deployed across the district to maintain order and prevent further unrest.

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors unless necessary.

Section 144 has been enforced in Khagrachhari Municipality, Sadar Upazila and Guimara Upazila, prohibiting public gatherings.

At the same time, an indefinite road blockade—now in its second day—continues under the banner of Jumma students and local residents.

Protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of all perpetrators involved in the rape case, compensation for the victim’s family, and justice for those allegedly assaulted during related demonstrations.

As a result, all vehicular movement remains suspended in the district.

The unrest stems from the reported rape of a schoolgirl on September 23 in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar.

Her father filed a case at Sadar Police Station against three unidentified individuals.

The next morning, police, with army support, arrested a suspect, Shayan Shil, acting on a tip-off.