Kaukhali Correspondent, CHT News
Thursday, 18 September 2024
At least 120
army personnel have taken position at Panchari High School in Kaukhali upazila
of Rangamati district. This has sparked concerns among local residents.
On Thursday
morning (18 September 2025), under the leadership of Major Tarikul Islam, the
second-in-command of the Rangamati Brigade, soldiers arrived at the school from
the Talukdar Para camp — some on foot and others in four vehicles carrying
supplies. It is reported that they may remain there for 2-3 days.
After
arriving, the army instructed teachers to remove old graffiti from one of the
school building’s walls. They scolded the teachers, questioning why such
graffiti existed at a school. Consequently, the teachers were compelled to
erase the artwork with the help of students.
A local
elder remarked, “The army often turns schools into temporary camps, which
disrupts the educational activities. If students drawing graffiti is considered
wrong, then isn't it also wrong to turn a school into a temporary military
camp?”
Another
individual commented, “The army enters remote areas claiming to search for
so-called ‘terrorists’ but ends up oppressing the local people, searching homes
and harassing residents. Ironically, it is under their shelter that armed
militants operate — they support and harbor them. This kind of activity is
essentially a means to suppress ordinary people.”
As a result
of the army’s presence, there is growing anger and dissatisfaction among
locals, as well as widespread fear of possible repression and harassment.
It is worth
noting that the army had previously been stationed at the Talukdar Para camp.
On the afternoon of 16 September, they arrived there in 14 vehicles, and from
today, they have become active in the Panchari area.
--------