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| Symbolic photo |
Staff Correspondent, CHT News
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
A significant military deployment has been reported
across parts of Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts, with Bangladesh Army
personnel taking up positions at multiple schools and public facilities in
Kaukhali, Kudukchhari, and Lakshmichhari. The reported buildup has raised
concern among residents, who fear the operations could have implications for
civilian safety and human rights.
According to local sources, more than 130 soldiers
arrived in Chelachhari of Ghagra Union, Kaukhali Upazila, Rangamati, by 7:00
a.m. on Tuesday in a convoy of seven military vehicles. The troops subsequently
divided into several units and deployed to different locations.
Sources said around 30 soldiers were stationed at
Chelachhara Government Residential Primary School, while another 60 to 70
personnel occupied Harangi High School in Levapara. A further contingent of
approximately 30 soldiers was deployed at Kazaichhari Government Primary School
of Kaukhali.
Residents reported that the troops brought food
supplies, tarpaulins, bamboo, and firewood in military jeeps. They also said
army personnel stored fish and meat in refrigerators belonging to local
shopkeepers.
A separate unit of about 30 soldiers from Kaukhali
headquarters was reported to be stationed in Harangi Village. Meanwhile,
another team of approximately 20 soldiers, led by Subedar Rupom, has been based
at Duryyapara Government Primary School in Nakshachhari, Ghagra Union, since
Monday, July 20.
In neighboring Kudukchhari Union under Rangamati Sadar
Upazila, local sources reported that 20 to 25 soldiers took up positions at
Bottoli Government Primary School after arriving from the Naniarchar Zone at
around 1:00 p.m. Residents believe the unit may later move toward the
Naranchhara and Duluchhari Mon areas.
Elsewhere, a team of 10 to 12 soldiers from
Manekchhari Camp, under the Rangamati Sadar Zone, arrived in Khamarpara Village
of Sapchhari Union at around 11:00 a.m. After remaining there for a short time,
the soldiers reportedly moved toward the Swargapur Buddhist Monastery area.
In Khagrachhari's Lakshmichhari Upazila, local sources
said more than 100 soldiers traveled from the Lakshmichhari Zone to the
Shuknachhari (Barmachhari) Army Camp in a convoy of 12 vehicles on Monday,
where they stayed overnight.
At around 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, approximately 40
soldiers moved from the camp to the No. 2 Fatikchhari Union Parishad building
in Barmachhari Bazaar. According to local residents, the troops indicated they
were preparing to proceed to the Ultachhari area.
Another contingent of about 45 soldiers established a
position at Hudukchhari High School in Barmachhari Union, while an additional
team of around 40 soldiers from the Lakshmichhari Zone reportedly arrived in
the Bhujulichug Mon area at approximately 12:00 p.m.
The reported deployments have fueled anxiety among residents in the affected areas. Several local people expressed concern that a large scale military operation could further deteriorate the human rights situation and expose civilians to harassment or other abuses.
As of 3:45 p.m., when this report was filed, local
sources said the army units remained at their respective deployment sites.
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