Kawkhali Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, 23 November 2025
Two local organizations—Chatra-Janatar Sangram Parishad and the Kawkhali Peace-Loving Citizens’ Forum—have called for urgent government action against an armed group allegedly stationed along the Ghagra–Chattogram border in Rangamati. The demand was made at a press conference held at noon on Sunday in the Dabua area of Kawkhali Upazila.
Ushaton Chakma, President of the Chhatra-Janatar Sangram Parishad and Chairman of Fatikchari Union Parishad, read out a written statement before journalists. He alleged that since 31 October, a group of about 35–40 armed men had been occupying and operating in several areas, including Chouchalabil, Sadekkya Beel, Midingyachari, Rajkhali, Betachari, Rossyabilli, Dhulyachari, and Balighona—yet no action had been taken by authorities.
According to Chakma, the group is stationed only four to five minutes away from the Champatli Army Camp in Ghagra, causing widespread fear among residents of Kawkhali. He claimed the armed group had effectively established its own administrative control in the area, engaging in forced extortion, confiscating residents’ mobile phones, restricting phone usage, and compelling villagers to regularly provide food. He further stated that the group had halted transportation of timber carts, intimidated local residents, and stopped construction work on the Betachari bridge due to extortion disputes.
Chakma noted that on 16 November, residents held a large rally in Kawkhali Sadar and submitted a memorandum to the Adviser for Home Affairs through the Upazila Executive Officer. Locals also distributed leaflets and put up posters demanding action. Despite these efforts, he said, the administration remained “indifferent,” and the armed group continued to operate openly. He alleged that the group had begun threatening rally participants by phone and in person and was imposing heavy fines on them.
Questioning the role of the security forces, Chakma said their primary responsibility is to suppress terrorist activities and maintain peace, and that they regularly conduct operations deep in the hills. It was therefore “inexplicable,” he argued, that no operation had been undertaken against such a large armed group positioned so close to a security camp. The lack of action, he said, had fueled suspicions among residents of possible negligence or undisclosed arrangements between the armed group and certain members of the security forces or local administration.
Responding to questions from journalists about the identity of the armed group, Chakma said they had entered the area from the southern side of the Chattogram–Rangamati highway and that on Sunday morning they had forced every household in Chouchalabil village to provide two kilograms of rice.
Asked about next steps if authorities fail to act, he said residents would be compelled to announce harsher programs.
Chakma presented two key demands to the government:
- Immediate action against the armed group operating along the Ghagra–Chattogram border.
- A formal investigation into how such a large group could operate within a few minutes’ drive of a security camp, and whether this involved any negligence or undisclosed understanding with members of the security forces or administration. He called for legal and disciplinary action if wrongdoing is found.
Among those present at the press conference were leaders of both organizations—including Ongchajai Marma and Chathui Mong Marma—as well as several local dignitaries. The organizers expressed gratitude to journalists who traveled from Rangamati to attend.
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