The violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati has cast a dark shadow over the Chattogram Hill Tracts, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives and injuries to many others.
The government’s quick response in this regard, pledging a thorough investigation and assuring that those responsible will be brought to justice, is a prudent step.
A high-level delegation is set to visit the affected areas with a clear mandate to restore peace and provide much-needed support to the injured.
However, even as the authorities work to calm tensions, a broader question remains for us as a nation: how did we allow this to happen, and how can we prevent it from happening again?
The violence in the hill districts is not an isolated incident, particularly in light of the events unfolding across the country following the fall of the deposed dictator Hasina.
Some are even apprehensive about the possible influence of external forces in this incident.
We must acknowledge the resilience of the residents in Khagrachhari and Rangamati.
They have endured much in recent days — lives lost, businesses destroyed, and communities fractured.
Their courage in such adversity is commendable, but it is not enough for them to endure.
The Chattogam Hill Tracts have long been marked by tension, exacerbated by historical grievances, land disputes, and social divides between the ethnic tribal population and local Bengali settlers.
The people of this region deserve lasting peace, security, and the assurance that justice will be served.
While we commend the government’s efforts to urge restraint and call for calm, we also urge the authorities to address the underlying issues that continue to fuel violence in the Hill Tracts.
As a nation, we must view this tragedy as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace — not just in the Hill Tracts, but across the entire country.
It should serve as a wake-up call for greater unity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Furthermore, we must confront the dangers posed by unverified news shared on social media.
All stakeholders — local communities, government authorities, and law enforcement agencies — must work together to prevent the spread of rumours and ensure that only accurate, verified information is disseminated.
We call on all Bangladeshis to come together in the spirit of cooperation and solidarity.
As citizens, we must seek solutions through dialogue, justice, and empathy for one another’s struggles.