Khagrachari Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Three diplomats from the British High Commission in Dhaka will visit Khagrachari from September 15–17, 2025. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed the local administration to keep them under strict surveillance during the visit.
Ms. Sarah Cooke, Ms. Kate Ward, and Ms. Eleanor Rose Moodey from the British High Commission in Bangladesh are scheduled to arrive in Khagrachari on a three-day visit starting September 15.
The purpose of their visit has not been disclosed, and the media has not been informed of their itinerary. However, due to the surveillance by the administration and intelligence personnel, it is believed that the diplomats will not be able to speak freely with local residents.
On September 12, a letter signed by Hasan Maruf, Additional District Magistrate of Khagrachari, and addressed to Dipak Kumar Shil, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate at the District Commissioner’s Office in Khagrachari Hill District, directed strict monitoring of the diplomats. The letter bears the reference number: 05.42.4600.000.012.16.0002.24.985.
The letter cites a directive from the Political-6 Wing of the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, dated September 11, 2025 (reference number: 44.00.0000.000.079.19.0001.25.312), stating:
“In reference to the above subject and mentioned memo, the following three foreign nationals from the British High Commission in Dhaka will be visiting Khagrachari Hill District from September 15–17, 2025.”
The letter further states: “In this context, Mr. Dipak Kumar Shil, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate at the District Commissioner’s Office of Khagrachari Hill District, is hereby officially assigned to be present as a representative of the district administration at all activities and meetings involving these foreign nationals and any local individuals or organizational representatives during their stay in the Khagrachari Hill District.”
It is worth noting that a government directive issued several years ago requires a government representative to be present whenever any foreign diplomat or tourist engages in conversation with local residents, especially indigenous (hill) people.
A confidential 11-point directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 7, 2015, stated:
“If any local or foreign individual or organization wishes to meet or hold discussions with indigenous communities in the hill regions, the presence of local administration and military/BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) personnel must be ensured.”
This government directive is considered by many to be contrary to fundamental rights and an affront to the indigenous hill communities. It essentially treats the hill people as enemies.
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