Attempt to Set Up a New Army Camp?
Barmachhari Correspondent, CHT News
Monday, October 20, 2025
The 18th annual Kathin Chibar Dana Ceremony is scheduled to begin tomorrow (October 21) at the Arjyo Kalyan Bana Vihara in Barmachari Union, under Lakshmichhari Upazila of Khagrachari District. In preparation for this religious event, devotees from surrounding villages under the monastery’s jurisdiction have been involved in cleaning the monastery, tidying monks’ quarters, and other related activities for nearly a week.
However, on October 18, 2025, a 20-member army team from the Khiram Army Camp, led by Camp Commander Major Saifur Rahman Turjo, arrived at the Barmachari Bazar. Since then, the army team has been patrolling the Arjyo Kalyan Bana Vihara and nearby villages on a daily basis. This military movement has caused fear and anxiety among the people working for the event, especially among women.
A female teacher, who preferred to remain anonymous, said:
“The ceremony starts tomorrow. On the first night, there is a traditional event for weaving the robe (chibar). Women from far and wide come to the monastery to weave robes for the monks. But due to the presence of army personnel, women are afraid to come.”
Referring to past incidents of military violence against women in other areas, she added:
“Women here are scared that something similar might happen. If women don’t participate, the robe-weaving event will be disrupted.”
She questioned the army’s intentions, saying:
“We already have two nearby camps—Khiram and Shuknachari. They regularly patrol Barmachari. Unlike other areas, we don’t have crime problems here. So why is there such a heavy army presence in Barmachari now?”
At present, the army has set up several tents next to a Buddhist monastery and near the Arjyo Kalyan Bana Vihara, near the Fatikchari Union Parishad office. However, they are not staying in the tents at night but are instead lodging inside the Union Parishad building.
At the time of writing this report, another 20-member army team arrived at the Khiram Camp from the Lakshmichari Zone. According to reliable sources, this team is also expected to arrive in Barmachari by evening. They are reportedly carrying machetes, hoes, shovels, hand saws, and 40 tents.
The army’s increased activity surrounding the Kathin Chibar Dana ceremony has created a sense of fear and concern among locals.
Many residents believe this is part of an effort to establish a new army camp in the Barmachari Bazar area.
It is noteworthy that the army had also stayed in the area for about a week starting on October 4. At that time, they had pitched tents near the Buddhist monastery beside the Fatikchari Union office and inquired about the ownership status of the land.
Local people have expressed strong opposition to any new security camp being set up in Barmachari. They have made it clear that they do not feel a new camp is necessary and will not accept it if attempted.
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