Sajek Correspondent, CHT News
Monday, November 9, 2026
Bangladesh Army personnel, accompanied by members of an armed group locally known as the “Masked Group,” allegedly tortured five indigenous villagers, searched several homes, and seized seven mobile phones during an overnight operation in Danei Baibachhara village in Baghaihat, Sajek Union, Rangamati.
According to local sources, around 60 army personnel from Baghaihat Army Zone (14 Bengal) and Dighinala Army Zone (4 Bengal) entered Danei Baibachhara village at approximately 1:00 a.m. on November 9. They were reportedly accompanied by two armed group members identified as Jackson Chakma and Joy Chakma.
During the operation, the army personnel searched five homes and questioned the residents. After reportedly finding no illegal items, they allegedly subjected five villagers to physical abuse. They also took mobile phones from seven residents.
Five Villagers Reportedly Tortured
The five villagers who were allegedly beaten are:
Prabhat Chakma (48), son of the late Nil Mohan Chakma.
Moni Chakma (55), son of the late Ladumoni Chakma.
Ferdous Chakma (26). Sukanta Chakma (27), son of the late Nil Mohan Chakma. Arun Shanti Chakma (45), son of the late Samar Singh Chakma.
Five Homes Searched
The army personnel reportedly searched the homes of the following residents:
Win Chakma, son of Mangal Sen Chakma.
Moni Chakma, son of the late Ladumoni Chakma.
Shikha Rani Chakma, daughter of Shukra Kumar Chakma.
Sukanta Chakma, son of the late Nil Mohan Chakma.
Arun Shanti Chakma, son of the late Samar Singh Chakma.
Seven Mobile Phones Seized
According to local sources, the following residents had their mobile phones taken during the operation:
Jinuka Chakma, a teacher at Danei Baibachhara Non-Government Primary School – Redmi Note 14.
Arun Shanti Chakma – Vivo 464.
Rupali Chakma – Symphony.
Shikha Rani Chakma – Symphony.
Sukanta Chakma – Symphony.
Moni Chakma – Symphony.
Prabhat Chakma – Symphony.
Villagers Questioned About Protest Activities
The affected residents said that army personnel questioned them about whether they had taken part in the October 22 blockade organized by the Committee for the Protection of People’s Rights and the Sajek Karbari Association. They also asked about the whereabouts of leaders and members of the Committee for the Protection of People’s Rights.
The villagers further alleged that army personnel threatened to kill Babudhan Chakma and Jiko Chakma if they were found. They also reportedly threatened to make them disappear, as happened to Michael Chakma.
A local source said that Major Salman Siddique, Deputy Commander (Second-in-Command) of Baghaihat Army Zone, was among the officers leading the operation.
The overnight operation has reportedly created fear and anger among residents of Danei Baibachhara and neighboring villages. Local people have expressed concern over the alleged beatings, home searches, and harassment by army personnel.
Residents are demanding an impartial investigation, legal action against those responsible, and the immediate return of the seized mobile phones.
It is worth noting that early the previous morning, army personnel had carried out a similar operation in Bame Baibachhara and nearby areas.
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