Panchhari Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, September 14, 2025
A renewed heavy presence of army personnel in Panchari upazila of Khagrachari district has sparked widespread fear and concern among local residents.
This afternoon, Sunday (September 14) at around 4:30 PM, 15 military vehicles carrying army personnel entered the Karallyachari area from Panchari Sadar and took position near Logang High School and surrounding areas. Locals reported that the army used drones for surveillance in the area.
Earlier in the morning, the military vehicles had arrived from Khagrachhari Sadar and were stationed at the Panchari sub-zone before moving toward Karallyachari.
Residents say that the sudden military presence has created widespread panic, with many expressing fears of harassment and abuse. People are reportedly avoiding leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
Notably, at dawn today, a team from the Panchari sub-zone allegedly conducted searches at the homes of four villagers in Maratila village under Ultachari Union.
On the previous day, Saturday (September 13), members of the army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were reportedly patrolling the Babura Para, Harubil, and Borkolok areas of Logang Union to provide security for armed members of the JSS (Santu faction).
Prior to this, between August 25 and 31, a week-long army operation was conducted in the area during which locals alleged repression and house-to-house searches.
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