Nanyachar Correspondent, CHT News
Friday, 12 September 2025
Yesterday (11 September), the Bangladesh Army conducted a day-long operation in Ward No. 5 (Nuoadam) and Ward No. 6 (Dhajjachari) of Ghilachari Union in Naniachar Upazila, Rangamati district. During the operation, the army reportedly searched the homes of 13 villagers and detained two individuals, who were later released after alleged physical and psychological abuse.
According to sources, around 11:30 AM, a group of 20–25 army personnel from the Burighat sub-zone arrived in Dhajjachari village by engine-powered boat. Upon entering the village, they detained Sunil Kanti Chakma (32), son of Dulal Chakma, who had gone to a shop for tea and snacks. He was allegedly subjected to physical abuse.
Simultaneously, another group of 10–15 soldiers from the Kudukchari sub-zone entered Nuoadam village. On their way, they picked up Junu Chakma (35), son of Dhana Chakma from Bhuiyodam, near Dhajjachari Rashtamukh (Hal-O Chhara), under the pretext of asking him for directions. He was reportedly kept in custody all day and subjected to mental abuse. At the time of his detention, he had been herding cattle.
This army unit then conducted intrusive searches in at least 8 homes in Nuoadam village, allegedly harassing the residents and ransacking their belongings. The affected villagers are:
- Bigu Bikash Chakma (53), son of Kumujya Chakma
- Ujjal Chakma (33), son of Shanti Kumar Chakma
- Hiran Moy Chakma (47), son of the late Barna Kumar Chakma
- Bimal Chakma (34), son of Ol’ha Chakma
- Muni Chakma (34), son of Badhi Dhan Chakma
- Kalachul Chakma (56), son of the late Swargadhan Chakma
- Gilukko Chakma (34), son of Kalachul Chakma
- Badhi Dhan Chakma (57), father’s name unknown
According to allegations from the victims, while searching Bimal Chakma’s house, the army took Bimal’s wife Nitimaya Chakma’s savings of BDT 1,500 (earned from selling vegetables), the birth certificates of all family members, and the couple’s national ID cards.
Later, another group of 20–25 army personnel from Kudukchari camp joined the earlier team in Nuoadam. Together, they then moved to Dhajjachari village and carried out searches in 5 more homes, allegedly harassing the following villagers:
- Sampurno Chakma (46), son of the late Sujonya Chakma
- Hedor Chakma (32), son of Shovadhan Chakma
- Badi Chakma (25), son of Mojagala Chakma
- Sonabi Chakma (35), wife of the late Nayan Chakma
- Som Ratan Chakma (60), father unknown
In total, the army searched and allegedly harassed and looted 13 households across the two villages.
After the searches, the army released Junu Chakma and Sunil Kanti Chakma. The troops reportedly returned to their camp at around 4:30 PM.
This series of army operations has sparked fear and panic in the area. Locals say their daily lives and freedom of movement are being severely disrupted.
It is worth noting that on 9 September, similar operations were conducted by the army in these and several other villages, during which homes were searched and ordinary people reportedly harassed.
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