Post by : Rameen Ariff

At least three people were killed and several others injured in violent clashes in Bangladesh’s southeastern hills following the alleged gang rape of a tribal schoolgirl. The unrest took place in Khagrachhari district, about 270 kilometers northeast of Dhaka, where tensions between the indigenous tribal communities and the Bengali settler population escalated despite heavy security presence.

The violence erupted after a group called Jummu Students held a protest against the alleged assault of an eighth-grade girl on her way home from tuition classes. Residents said both sides attacked each other’s homes and businesses, setting fires during the clashes. The girl was reportedly found unconscious by her family and neighbours late at night and was immediately admitted to a local hospital. Police have arrested a Bengali teenager suspected to be involved and he is currently in custody under a six-day court-ordered remand.

The clashes began at the Khagrachhari district headquarters, where tribal people blocked roads with burning tyres and tree trunks to protest the attack. Authorities tried to control the unrest by imposing Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning gatherings and rallies, but the measures failed to prevent violence from spreading to nearby areas such as Guimara, where the three deaths occurred. Police confirmed the bodies are at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, but have not disclosed the victims’ identities.

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Security forces, including the military and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), were deployed to restore order. Officials urged residents to remain calm and avoid public gatherings while promising strict legal action against those responsible for the unrest.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts, home to over a dozen ethnic minority groups, have a long history of tension between indigenous communities and Bengali settlers. While a peace agreement in 1997 ended a two-decade-long insurgency, sporadic violence continues due to disputes among local tribal factions.

The home ministry condemned the clashes and expressed regret over the casualties, emphasizing that an immediate investigation has been launched and that no criminals will be spared. The district administration has also banned rallies and restricted organized movements to prevent further escalation.

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