Normalcy is returning to the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) following the deaths of three hill people in a gunfire exchange at Guimara upazila in Khagrachhari, sparked by the alleged gang rape of an eighth-grade Marma student.
Residents hope the situation will improve soon, as all sides have shown restraint.
Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel told reporters on Monday that the situation is gradually improving.
“No untoward incident has occurred today so far,” he said.
In a social media post on Monday, the Jumma Chhatra Janata withdrew its blockade programme on the Dhaka-Khagrachhari and Chattogram-Khagrachhari routes until further notice. This was to allow medical care for the injured and to facilitate the rituals for those killed in the violence.
The post also mentioned that blockades would continue on all other roads.
On Sunday, following the deadly clashes, the organisation called for an indefinite blockade across all three hill districts – Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari.
Locals say the indefinite blockade programme is being observed in a relaxed manner.
Long-haul vehicles began leaving the three districts for Chattogram, Dhaka, and other destinations from early afternoon.
The Section 144, imposed by the Khagrachhari administration, is still in force.
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam said the Section 144 would be lifted at the appropriate time.
Border Guard Bangladesh Khagrachhari Sector Commander Colonel Abdul Mottakim said the BGB, along with the civil administration, has been working relentlessly to improve the law-and-order situation.
“About 10 platoons of BGB have been deployed to prevent the situation from becoming volatile,” he told reporters at a briefing in Khagrachhari.
“None have had the opportunity to carry out major sabotage due to swift actions. The situation is now under control thanks to the efforts of the army, other security forces, and the administration,” he added.
Urging all to face the situation with patience, Mottakim said BGB’s efforts will continue to maintain harmony in the hill tracts.
Responding to a question, he said strict surveillance has been maintained on the border to prevent the smuggling of illegal weapons from across the border.
“Operations will continue against armed militants in the hills,” he said.
‘Neighbouring country, fascist groups behind the unrest’
Following the incident, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday held a neighbouring country and fascist groups responsible for the recent unrest in Khagrachhari.
“A vested group has been trying to create unrest aimed at disrupting the peaceful atmosphere of Durga Puja for the Hindu community. This group is behind the incident in Khagrachhari,” he said, without naming any country.
“Some terrorists have opened fire from the top of the hills, and these arms are coming from outside,” he added.
Identity of the deceased disclosed
Meanwhile, the police on Monday disclosed the identities of the victims, aged between 20 and 22, identifying them as residents of Halfchhari union in Guimara.
The deceased are Teiching Marma, 20, son of Alakai Marma from Ramsu Bazar; Athuihpru Marma, 21, son of Thuhlaiang Marma from Amtali Para; and Akhrao Marma, 22, son of Hasu Marma from Cheng Guli Para.
Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Mohammed Saber told reporters that the bodies had been kept at the morgue.
“The bodies will be handed over to the relatives after the autopsy,” he said.
