Thanchi (Bandarban), CHT News,
Sunday, May 25, 2026
A 5-year-and-5-month-old indigenous girl from the Tripura community has been raped in Thanchi, Bandarban, sparking widespread public outrage. The accused, Bijoy Barua, 16, a local vegetable seller, was apprehended by residents of the Notun Para area and handed over to Thanchi Police Station. Hundreds of angry locals subsequently gathered at the station, demanding justice and severe punishment for the perpetrator.
The victim’s father is employed at the Thanchi Upazila Health Complex.
According to local sources, on Saturday afternoon, May 23, Bijoy Barua lured the young girl to a secluded location in the Notun Para area of Thanchi Sadar Union and sexually assaulted her. That night, when the child complained of pain and disclosed what had happened to her family, her parents immediately confronted Barua, who failed to provide any explanation.
The following morning, Sunday May 24, local residents detained Bijoy Barua and handed him over to police. Shortly after, a local resident named Maung Sing U posted about the incident on Facebook, including a photo of the accused. The post went viral, triggering widespread condemnation across social media.
As news of the arrest spread, an agitated crowd gathered at Thanchi Police Station around noon, demanding justice and strict punishment for the accused. The situation quickly escalated when a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) unit arrived and, pointing weapons at the crowd, ordered them to vacate the premises within one minute.
When the crowd refused to disperse, the BGB attempted to drive them away by force, further inflaming tensions. People from all walks of life then rallied together at the station, resulting in a direct standoff between the public and the BGB. Protesters strongly condemned the BGB’s conduct and accused the unit of siding with the perpetrator. They also pointedly questioned the BGB commander, asking, “How did a rape happen here when you are stationed in this area?”
After hours of tension, the crowd eventually dispersed following assurances from the BGB, police, and local administration.
The BGB commander on duty told the crowd, “If proper justice is not served and a case is not filed as required by law, I will stand with you and support your movement.” While some accepted his statement, the majority of protesters remained unsatisfied and continued pressing for immediate legal action.
Thanchi Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Ongpru Mro confirmed the incident, stating that a complaint had been received regarding the rape of the 5-year-old girl, that the accused had been detained, and that BGB personnel were deployed after protesters surrounded the police station.
Bandarban Superintendent of Police Md. Wahab-ul Islam Khondaker confirmed that the accused had been arrested, a case had been formally filed, and that the situation was currently under control.
—–
