The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has issued a strong condemnation and expressed deep concern over the recent violent clashes and arson incidents between Bengalis and hill people in Khagrachari and Rangamati, which resulted in casualties and widespread property damage.
On Wednesday, a Bengali man, Mohammad Mamun (30), was allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Dighinala, Khagrachari, following accusations of motorcycle theft. The following day, tensions escalated, leading to violent clashes between Bengalis and hill people, resulting in further injuries, destruction of homes, and arson. On Friday, the violence spread to Rangamati, where additional clashes occurred, leading to more casualties.
According to reports from various Bangladeshi media outlets, the incident began on September 18 when Mohammad Mamun was assaulted on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle in Dighinala, Khagrachari. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. In the aftermath, violent clashes broke out on September 19 between the two groups. The conflict saw homes and businesses in areas such as Larma Square and near Dighinala College set ablaze, with security forces and the Bangladesh Army deployed to contain the situation. Later that night, a confrontation between hill people and army personnel resulted in the deaths of three individuals—Junan Chakma (20), Dhananjay Chakma (50), and Rubel Chakma (30)—with at least 15 others injured.
On September 20, the unrest spread to Rangamati, where clashes continued throughout the day, leading to the death of one person and injuring at least 55 others. The violence extended to multiple areas, including Kalyanpur, College Gate, the stadium area, the District Commissioner’s office, Bonrupa, the municipal office, and Reserve Bazar. During these attacks, approximately 30 to 40 homes and businesses were vandalized and set on fire, and around 30 vehicles were torched. As the situation escalated, authorities imposed Section 144 to restore order.
HRSS expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, which claimed four lives and injured more than 100 people. The organization strongly condemned the incidents and called for the immediate formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events and hold those responsible accountable.
Additionally, HRSS urged the government to provide adequate compensation to the families of the deceased, ensure proper medical care for the injured, and facilitate the rehabilitation of those affected by the violence. The organization also emphasized the need for a sustainable resolution to the long-standing tensions in the hill districts and called for proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks of violence in the region.
