Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Thursday, 18 September 2024
At least 120 army personnel have taken position at Panchari High School in Kaukhali upazila of Rangamati district. This has sparked concerns among local residents.
On Thursday morning (18 September 2025), under the leadership of Major Tarikul Islam, the second-in-command of the Rangamati Brigade, soldiers arrived at the school from the Talukdar Para camp — some on foot and others in four vehicles carrying supplies. It is reported that they may remain there for 2-3 days.
After arriving, the army instructed teachers to remove old graffiti from one of the school building’s walls. They scolded the teachers, questioning why such graffiti existed at a school. Consequently, the teachers were compelled to erase the artwork with the help of students.
A local elder remarked, “The army often turns schools into temporary camps, which disrupts the educational activities. If students drawing graffiti is considered wrong, then isn’t it also wrong to turn a school into a temporary military camp?”
Another individual commented, “The army enters remote areas claiming to search for so-called ‘terrorists’ but ends up oppressing the local people, searching homes and harassing residents. Ironically, it is under their shelter that armed militants operate — they support and harbor them. This kind of activity is essentially a means to suppress ordinary people.”
As a result of the army’s presence, there is growing anger and dissatisfaction among locals, as well as widespread fear of possible repression and harassment.
It is worth noting that the army had previously been stationed at the Talukdar Para camp. On the afternoon of 16 September, they arrived there in 14 vehicles, and from today, they have become active in the Panchari area.
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