Fatikchari Union Parishad Chairman Ushaton Chakma reading out a written statement at the press conference.
Kawkhali Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, 23 November 2025
Two local organizations—Chatra-Janatar Sangram
Parishad and the Kawkhali Peace-Loving Citizens’ Forum—have called for urgent
government action against an armed group allegedly stationed along the
Ghagra–Chattogram border in Rangamati. The demand was made at a press
conference held at noon on Sunday in the Dabua area of Kawkhali Upazila.
Ushaton Chakma, President of the Chhatra-Janatar
Sangram Parishad and Chairman of Fatikchari Union Parishad, read out a written
statement before journalists. He alleged that since 31 October, a group of
about 35–40 armed men had been occupying and operating in several areas,
including Chouchalabil, Sadekkya Beel, Midingyachari, Rajkhali, Betachari,
Rossyabilli, Dhulyachari, and Balighona—yet no action had been taken by
authorities.
According to Chakma, the group is stationed only
four to five minutes away from the Champatli Army Camp in Ghagra, causing
widespread fear among residents of Kawkhali. He claimed the armed group had
effectively established its own administrative control in the area, engaging in
forced extortion, confiscating residents’ mobile phones, restricting phone
usage, and compelling villagers to regularly provide food. He further stated
that the group had halted transportation of timber carts, intimidated local
residents, and stopped construction work on the Betachari bridge due to
extortion disputes.
Chakma noted that on 16 November, residents held a large rally in Kawkhali Sadar and submitted a memorandum to the Adviser for Home Affairs through the Upazila Executive Officer. Locals also distributed leaflets and put up posters demanding action. Despite these efforts, he said, the administration remained “indifferent,” and the armed group continued to operate openly. He alleged that the group had begun threatening rally participants by phone and in person and was imposing heavy fines on them.
Questioning the role of the security forces, Chakma
said their primary responsibility is to suppress terrorist activities and
maintain peace, and that they regularly conduct operations deep in the hills.
It was therefore “inexplicable,” he argued, that no operation had been
undertaken against such a large armed group positioned so close to a security
camp. The lack of action, he said, had fueled suspicions among residents of
possible negligence or undisclosed arrangements between the armed group and
certain members of the security forces or local administration.
Responding to questions from journalists about the
identity of the armed group, Chakma said they had entered the area from the
southern side of the Chattogram–Rangamati highway and that on Sunday morning
they had forced every household in Chouchalabil village to provide two
kilograms of rice.
Asked about next steps if authorities fail to act,
he said residents would be compelled to announce harsher programs.
Chakma presented two key demands to the government:
1. Immediate action against the armed group
operating along the Ghagra–Chattogram border.
2. A formal investigation into how such a large
group could operate within a few minutes’ drive of a security camp, and whether
this involved any negligence or undisclosed understanding with members of the
security forces or administration. He called for legal and disciplinary action
if wrongdoing is found.
Among those present at the press conference were
leaders of both organizations—including Ongchajai Marma and Chathui Mong
Marma—as well as several local dignitaries. The organizers expressed gratitude
to journalists who traveled from Rangamati to attend.
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