Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Monday, 8 December 2025
In Kaukhali of Rangamati district, an event organized—allegedly with false information—to distribute school supplies and blankets by the Rangamati Brigade Commander during the ongoing annual examinations at primary and secondary schools has raised many eyebrows.
The event took place on Sunday (7 December 2025). Brigade Commander Nazmul Haq and Rangamati Sadar Zone Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ekramul Rahat were present. They also brought along several journalists.
It is alleged that the event was arranged by telling people that the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) would be distributing blankets.
According to reports, on December 6, Ghagra Union Parishad Chairman Nazim Uddin phoned UP members Montu Ranjan Chakma and Amar Bindu Chakma, informing them that “tomorrow our Kaukhali UNO will come. He will distribute blankets and school supplies.”
Following the chairman’s instructions, UP members Montu Ranjan Chakma and Amar Bindu Chakma set up a stage on the field of Chelachora Government Residential School. But on the morning of the event (7 December), they saw that instead of the UNO, Brigade Commander Nazmul Haq had arrived, leaving them confused.
UP member Montu Ranjan Chakma told this reporter, “They deceived us about the event. They said the UNO sir would come, but the Brigade Commander showed up.”
Another UP member, Amar Bindu Chakma, said, “We didn’t know the Brigade Commander would come. We were informed that the UNO would come. But instead of the UNO, the Brigade Commander arrived. It wasn’t right for them to mislead us in this way.”
In a video of the event, the Brigade Commander is seen asking several primary school students, “You don’t have classes, right?” The students reply, “We do.” Some parents are also heard saying, “There’s an exam.”
Several parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Our children are currently sitting for their annual exams as per government rules. Forcing students to attend a school-supplies distribution event during exam hours was completely inappropriate.”
Expressing anger, one parent added, “Since December 3, the army has occupied the Chelachora playground. From there they conduct military drills in different areas and speak loudly on the field, causing disruptions for students during their exams.”
An elderly man who went to collect a blanket said, “In the morning our ward member told us the UNO would come to distribute blankets, so I went. But when I arrived, I saw the army distributing them. If I had known the army was distributing the blankets, I wouldn’t have gone—because in the name of ‘peace,’ the army comes into our villages and subjects us to harassment and intimidation. We live in constant fear.”
A local karbari (village head) said, “Since December 3, army personnel have occupied our village playground. From there they go to different villages, conducting military drills and patrols, creating fear among the people.”
A woman from Chelachora, requesting anonymity, said, “Because the army is staying in our village, we can’t go outside at night. If we want to go somewhere, the soldiers ask, ‘Where are you going? Why are you going?’ Their presence is causing many problems for us. We especially women feel unsafe.”
She also said that a group of soldiers came to their homes and told them to come to the school field to receive “blankets and medical treatment.”
Investigations revealed that very few people attended the event. Allegations have emerged that some students—who were supposed to be taking their annual exams—were compelled to attend.
However, when speaking to journalists, Brigade Commander Nazmul Haq again blamed the UPDF for the low turnout, as he often does.
Local UPDF leaders stated that people are fed up with the army’s injustice, abuse, and harassment. Therefore, they do not participate in their events. They added that the army blames the UPDF everywhere to cover up its misdeeds—this has become their habit.
Notably, since December 3, over a hundred army personnel have been occupying the Chelachora playground. They are expected to remain there until December 11. From there, soldiers patrol daily—by vehicle and on foot—in Chelachora, Badalchari, Joutha Bagan, Leva Para, Harangi Refugee Para, and Kajoi Chari, creating fear and anxiety among the local population and disrupting students’ studies.
Meanwhile, since October 31, an armed group under Santu Larma’s JSS has been operating in Mitingchari, Rajkhali, Roissabil, Sadekyabil, Chouchalabil, Dhullyachari, Moghachari, and Betchari—engaging in extortion and other criminal activities. Despite repeated appeals from residents for action, there has been no army patrol or operation in those areas. As a result, the armed group continues its activities freely.
————
