Mahalchhari Correspondent, CHT News
Saturday, 7 March 2026
Concerns have been raised following reports that Bengali Muslim settlers may be rehabilitated in the Korlyachhari area under Kayangghat Union of Mahalchhari Upazila in Khagrachari district. Initial inquiries in the area suggest that the matter may have some basis, although full details remain unclear.
Information circulating on social media claims that there are plans to settle at least 336 Muslim settler families in the area. However, there is no confirmed information about the exact number of families that may be involved.
Local residents say the land is located between Inner Korlyachhari and Ugudochhari (Ultachhari). The area is estimated to cover around eight to ten acres.
According to local sources, the land was previously owned by Dayamoy Chakma. He later sold it to Bishal Chakma, also known as Ranga Bishal, who is reportedly a member of the PCJSS (MN) Reformist group. Residents say Bishal Chakma later developed a mango orchard on the land.
Sources further state that when Bishal Chakma began searching for buyers to sell the mango harvest in advance, settlers from the nearby Ultachhari Bengali Muslim settlement objected. They reportedly claimed that more than 300 settler families have rights to the land and demanded 50 percent of the income from the mango sales. Following the dispute, they submitted a complaint to the Mahalchhari Army Zone.
After the complaint was filed, Kayangghat Union Parishad Chairman Rupendu Dewan was reportedly called to the Mahalchhari Army Zone on the night of 4 March. However, it remains unclear what was discussed during the meeting.
When contacted, Chairman Rupendu Dewan said he is working to resolve the issue. He added that discussions are ongoing with both hill residents and Bengali Muslim settlers to prevent any unwanted situation.
Meanwhile, reports about possible settler rehabilitation in the area have caused concern among local hill communities.
Some residents have also expressed suspicion that the land may have been sold to settlers, although they were unable to provide confirmed information.
Settler rehabilitation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has long been a sensitive issue. In 1979–80, during the rule of former President Ziaur Rahman, a large number of Bengali Muslim settlers from the plains were relocated to the region under a government program. The move significantly changed the demographic balance of the area, and its effects continue to be felt today.
Following the recent 13th National Parliamentary Election, the BNP returned to power under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the son of Ziaur Rahman. Reports about possible new settler rehabilitation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have once again raised concern among many hill residents.
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