Mahalchhari Correspondent, CHT News
Saturday, 7 March 2026
Concerns have been raised following reports that
Bengali Muslim settlers may be rehabilitated in the Korlyachhari area under
Kayangghat Union of Mahalchhari Upazila in Khagrachari district. Initial
inquiries in the area suggest that the matter may have some basis, although
full details remain unclear.
Information circulating on social media claims that
there are plans to settle at least 336 Muslim settler families in the area.
However, there is no confirmed information about the exact number of families
that may be involved.
Local residents say the land is located between Inner
Korlyachhari and Ugudochhari (Ultachhari). The area is estimated to cover
around eight to ten acres.
According to local sources, the land was previously
owned by Dayamoy Chakma. He later sold it to Bishal Chakma, also known as Ranga
Bishal, who is reportedly a member of the PCJSS (MN) Reformist group. Residents
say Bishal Chakma later developed a mango orchard on the land.
Sources further state that when Bishal Chakma began searching for buyers to sell the mango harvest in advance, settlers from the nearby Ultachhari Bengali Muslim settlement objected. They reportedly claimed that more than 300 settler families have rights to the land and demanded 50 percent of the income from the mango sales. Following the dispute, they submitted a complaint to the Mahalchhari Army Zone.
After the complaint was filed, Kayangghat Union
Parishad Chairman Rupendu Dewan was reportedly called to the Mahalchhari Army
Zone on the night of 4 March. However, it remains unclear what was discussed
during the meeting.
When contacted, Chairman Rupendu Dewan said he is
working to resolve the issue. He added that discussions are ongoing with both
hill residents and Bengali Muslim settlers to prevent any unwanted situation.
Meanwhile, reports about possible settler
rehabilitation in the area have caused concern among local hill communities.
Some residents have also expressed suspicion that the
land may have been sold to settlers, although they were unable to provide
confirmed information.
Settler rehabilitation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
has long been a sensitive issue. In 1979–80, during the rule of former
President Ziaur Rahman, a large number of Bengali Muslim settlers from the
plains were relocated to the region under a government program. The move
significantly changed the demographic balance of the area, and its effects
continue to be felt today.
Following the recent 13th National Parliamentary
Election, the BNP returned to power under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, the
son of Ziaur Rahman. Reports about possible new settler rehabilitation in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts have once again raised concern among many hill
residents.
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