Sajek Correspondent, CHT News
Monday, October 27, 2025
An indigenous Jumma woman, a mother of two, was reportedly sexually assaulted by a member of the army during a military operation in Sajek, Rangamati.
The incident took place on October 24, 2025, in Bhuachhari village, Ward No. 7 of Sajek Union.
Although the victim initially kept silent out of fear, the matter became known after she confided in a close neighbor.
Speaking with the victim, it was learned that on October 24, a team of nine army personnel went to their home in Bhuachari. Later, seven of them went a short distance away to pick coconuts, while the remaining two soldiers stayed behind. One of those soldiers allegedly tried to drag the woman by her hand and touched her chest, then pressured her to go inside the house.
When the woman refused, the soldier offered her money in an attempt to lure her. At that moment, the seven soldiers who had gone to pick coconuts returned, and the woman managed to escape further assault. The soldiers then left the scene.
After the incident became known, on Monday (October 27), local residents identified the accused soldier and went to the Baghaihat Zone Commander, who is currently stationed in Bhuachari, demanding punishment for the perpetrator.
Initially, the Zone Commander reportedly dismissed the allegation, calling it a “conspiracy by the UPDF” (United People’s Democratic Front). However, under pressure from the locals, he promised to identify and punish the soldier involved, according to sources.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked widespread outrage among local residents.
Locals said that sexual harassment of women under the guise of military operations has become a serious threat to women’s safety in the area. They demanded immediate punitive action against the guilty soldier, an end to the ongoing military operations, and a halt to the harassment and abuse of women and ordinary people.
It is worth noting that military operations have been ongoing in various parts of Sajek, including Bhuachari, since October 18. Until now, reports mainly involved harassment and abuse of civilians, but this is the first reported case of sexual assault.
Furthermore, locals have observed that army officers and soldiers currently deployed in Sajek are not wearing nameplates on their uniforms, which is unusual. Experts believe this deliberate omission is intended to conceal their identities and shield them from accountability for possible misconduct.
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