Staff Reporter :
At least three local residents were killed and more than 16 people, including 13 army personnel and three policemen, injured in an attack by miscreants in Khagrachhari’s Guimara upazila on Saturday, the home ministry said in a statement.
The ministry expressed regret over the casualties and pledged that legal action would be taken against those responsible following an immediate investigation.
“No criminals will be spared,” the statement read, urging residents to remain calm and patient.
The violence followed days of protests led by Jumma Chhatra Janata, who have been demonstrating since Wednesday demanding justice for the gang rape of a Marma schoolgirl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar upazila.
On Saturday, clashes erupted during a protest blockade in Guimara, Sadar Upazila Parishad, Mohajan Para, Narikel Bagan, Chengi Square, and Shahid Kader Road.
Police reportedly used tear gas and blank shots to disperse protesters and counter-groups.
According to media reports, at least 25 people were injured, one critically, while several shops in Swanirbhar and Narikel Bagan were vandalised.
Amid the unrest, the Khagrachhari district administration imposed Section 144 from 2pm on Saturday across Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila, and Guimara upazila, citing a “serious deterioration of law and order and risk of harm to lives and property.” The restrictions have been extended indefinitely.
According to the victim’s father, his daughter went missing on Tuesday night while returning from private tuition and was later found unconscious in a field.
She is now receiving treatment at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital. Police said a 19-year-old suspect, Shayan Sheel, has been arrested with the help of the army and placed on a five-day remand. Efforts are underway to apprehend other suspects.
Earlier in the week, protesters blocked roads with tree trunks and bricks, set tyres on fire, and vandalised vehicles, including an ambulance in Alutila and an auto-rickshaw in Narankhaiya.
Authorities have warned that further attempts at violence will be met with stern action as tensions remain high across the district.
