Kawkhali Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, November 2, 2025
The authorities have remained silent even though an armed group of 25–30 members of the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) has been stationed for the past few days in Rajkhali, under Ghagra Union of Kawkhali Upazila in Rangamati District.
According to reports, since October 31, the armed group has been positioned in an area located between Dholyachari and Rajkhali — northwest of Ghagra Bazaar and east of Rani Hat. The area lies approximately one kilometer north of the Rangamati–Chattogram Road and only about half a kilometer northwest of the Dak Bangla Police Camp.
It is learned that the armed group forcibly halted the construction work of the Betachari Bridge after a disagreement with the contractor over extortion money.
Meanwhile, despite the Santu Group openly conducting terrorist activities right under the nose of the police and administration, both the army and local authorities have reportedly remained passive. Locals alleged that even though an armed patrol of the Bangladesh Army came near the area where the JSS group was stationed, no action was taken against them.
Many locals believe it would be impossible for a JSS armed group to remain there without the understanding or support of the administration or the army.
A local representative from Rajkhali, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, told CHT News,
“It’s not possible for the JSS (Santu Larma faction) to stay here without the support of the army. So, I believe they must have some sort of understanding with the army. They are not so foolish as to come to such a risky area without informing the army.”
Criticizing the Bangladesh Army, he further said,
“Although the army makes loud proclamations against terrorism, in reality, they nurture and support terrorists — everyone knows and sees this.”
He added,
“If the army is truly against terrorism, then they should take swift action against this JSS armed group that has entered our area, and thereby prove to the nation that they really are against terrorism.”
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