Staff Reporter :
Tensions flared in Khagrachhari once again after a teacher was beaten to death by an angry mob following accusations of rape, leading to the imposition of Section 144 in the area.
Abul Hasnat Muhammad Sohail Rana, a teacher at Khagrachhari Government Technical School and College, was reportedly attacked by students who claimed he had raped a student earlier that day. According to local residents and officials, the incident took place around noon, sparking immediate unrest.
Following the death of the teacher, clashes erupted throughout the area, resulting in several injuries, including police officers and other officials. The police quickly transported Rana’s body to Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had died before his admission. Resident doctor Bappi Chakma stated that the exact cause of death would be determined after an autopsy.
The situation deteriorated rapidly as news of the incident spread, with mobs clashing in the streets. Among those injured in the violence were the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Sujan Chandra Roy, additional superintendent of police, and several others.
In response to the escalating chaos, the local administration imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings and protests, to restore order in the municipal and district headquarters. “Section 144 will remain in effect until further notice,” UNO Sujan Chandra Roy confirmed.
This is not the first time Khagrachhari has seen unrest related to Abul Hasnat Muhammad Sohail Rana.
In February 2021, Rana was jailed after being accused of sexually harassing a 10th-grade student at the same institution. Despite the protests from students, he was later released and reinstated as a teacher. The controversy surrounding his return fueled tensions, which have now erupted again, tragically leading to his death.
Khagrachhari had also been placed under Section 144 earlier on 20 September due to law and order concerns and fears of property damage. The current situation has brought the region back to the brink of further unrest, with local residents and authorities anxiously awaiting a resolution.