Clashes in two hill districts left four people dead and scores injured until Friday afternoon, officials and locals said, prompting a government call for calm and assurance of action against offenders.
News reports from the hill districts said violent incidents in Khagrachhari left three dead and nine others injured while another person was killed and at least fifty others were injured in Rangamati.
"A thorough investigation into all incidents of violence will be conducted, and those responsible will be brought to justice," the interim government said in a statement issued Friday.
Citizens are urged not to take the law into their own hands and refrain from indulging in destructive acts, the statement says, adding that any damage to property is a punishable offence.
A powerful probe panel will soon be formed to this end.
On the other hand, relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure proper medical care for the injured.
A high-level government delegation, led by the home affairs adviser, will visit Khagrachhari and Rangamati today (Saturday).
The delegation will include the Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs adviser, the local government adviser, and the special assistant to the chief adviser for defence and national solidarity development.
"The government is deeply saddened and distressed by the ongoing violence, attacks, and loss of life following the lynching and death of an individual on September 18," according to the statement.
The authorities have instructed all law-enforcement agencies to exercise maximum restraints and ensure safety of all hill residents as the government is committed to ensuring peace, harmony and unity there.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a press release apprehended that ongoing tensions could lead to further outbreaks in the three hill districts.
"Local leaders are urged to assist law-enforcement agencies in calming the situation.
Proper investigations will be conducted to identify culprits and necessary legal action be taken."
The public is strongly requested to maintain peace in the region.
On September 18, according to the ISPR, a young man named Md Mamun (30) was beaten to death by a mob in Khagrachhari district town following a motorcycle-theft incident.
Later, police recovered his body and handed it over to his family after post-mortem.
On September 19, a protest rally was held at Dighinala College. As the procession passed through Boalkhalibazar, armed militants from the UPDF (Main) group attacked the rally, firing 20-30 rounds of bullets.
In retaliation, the agitated crowd set fire to several shops in Boalkhalibazar.
The ISPR also reported that six people from both sides were injured during the clashes and were taken to Dighinala Upazila Health Complex and Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital for treatment.
Later, an army patrol team arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and helped extinguish the fire with assistance from the fire brigade and local residents.
Following the incident, tensions spread across Dighinala, Panchhari and surrounding areas in Khagrachhari district.
Certain groups with vested interests further escalated the situation by spreading rumours on social media, the statement said.
A UNB report from Khagrachhari said the bodies of the deceased were in the Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital. Of the 9 injured, 4 were referred to Chottogram. The rest were receiving treatment at the Khagrachhari hospital.
According to local sources, on Thursday night around 10:30 pm, the sound of extensive gunfire was heard in the Naran Khkhaiya and Swarnirbhar areas of the district town. Panic spread throughout the area, and a tense situation prevailed.
However, no one confirmed who was involved in the shooting. Later that night, 12 people were brought to the Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital. Among them, Junan Chakma (20), Dhananjay Chakma (50), and Rubel (30) died while undergoing treatment.
Dr. Ripple Bappi Chakma, resident physician of Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital confirmed the matter. He informed that four critically injured people have been referred to Chattogram. Some of the injured have bullet wounds.
It has been reported that Junan Chakma and Rubel were from Khagrachhari Sadar, while Dhananjay Chakma's home was in Dighinala.
Another report said one person was confirmed dead and at least fifty others injured, although the identity of the deceased was not yet known. This was confirmed by Dr. Sadia Akhtar, duty doctor of Rangamati General Hospital.
To maintain order, District Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan announced the imposition of Section 144 in the Rangamati municipal area.
Local sources report that on Friday morning, in response to an attack in Dighinala, Khagrachari, local students staged a protest march in Rangamati. As the procession reached the Bonorupa market, rumors and tension spread throughout the town, creating panic among residents.
During this unrest, multiple businesses in Bonorupa market were attacked, and several establishments were set ablaze.
Earlier, on Thursday, September 19, clashes erupted between the local indigenous population and Bengali settlers in Dighinala, destabilizing the area, and leading to incidents of arson in various locations. At least sixty shops were reported to have been destroyed in the fire at Larma Square.
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