Brigadier General Hasan Mahmud, Commander of the Khagrachhari Region, has blamed the regional organization UPDF for the recent violence in Khagrachhari and Guimara. He made the remarks on Tuesday (September 30) while briefing journalists on the overall situation in Khagrachhari.
He said that UPDF was attempting to incite communal riots by exploiting a rape incident, using indigenous women and young students as cover. Armed outsiders reportedly used both homemade and automatic weapons during the attacks.
Brigadier General Mahmud stressed that the army would play the highest role in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. He urged UPDF to maintain a peaceful environment and called for the withdrawal of blockades to restore normalcy in public life. He also informed that the administration had been requested to maintain Section 144 until the blockade is lifted.
He further warned that the violence in Khagrachhari could spill over into Rangamati and Bandarban. Pointing to external forces or certain vested quarters, he noted that such incidents might be aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming national election. By portraying the area as unstable, attempts could be made to divert the national situation, he cautioned, urging all to work together for the country’s stability.
It may be recalled that on September 23, allegations of the rape of a schoolgirl in Khagrachhari Sadar sparked violent clashes on September 27 and 28 in Khagrachhari and Guimara, leaving three people dead and 25 injured, including 13 army personnel.