City Desk :
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) expressed concern over the recent clashes between two groups in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala, calling for swift legal action against those responsible.
The commission shared this concern on Sunday.
Md Yusha Rahman, public relations officer of the commission, said the incidents of arson at shops and homes, as well as clashes between Pahari and Bangalee communities in Khagrachhari, were deeply troubling.
Reports of the violence spreading to neighbouring Rangamati have heightened concerns. Several houses and shops were set ablaze, and casualties were reported.
The commission stressed the need for immediate and strong administrative measures to bring the situation under control.
The commission has initiated a suo motu complaint in response to the violence.
According to the complaint, clashes erupted between Pahari and Bangalee groups in the Lerma Square area of Dighinala upazila around 5pm on September 19. During the violence, several homes and shops belonging to the hill community were reportedly set on fire. The unrest followed the death of 30-year-old Mohammad Mamun, who was beaten on charges of motorcycle theft in Khagrachhari’s Noapara area earlier that day. He later succumbed to his injuries at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
In response to Mamun’s death, Bangalee protesters gathered at Dighinala in the afternoon. Witnesses reported that around 300-400 Bangalees took part in a protest procession from the direction of Jamtali and Boalkhali markets, attempting to march toward Lerma Square. Clashes broke out when Pahari groups obstructed the protest. At least three people were injured, and about 37 houses and shops near Lerma Square and Dighinala College were torched.
The violence in Khagrachhari also reportedly spread to Rangamati, resulting in further clashes. In total, four people were killed and at least 80 others were injured across the two hill districts.