Sajek Correspondent, CHT News
Friday, August 8, 2026
Armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS - Santu Larma group) have allegedly abducted a youth named Ferdous Chakma (25) from a local eatery called "Same Place Restaurant" in the Sajek tourism area of Rangamati. Ferdous was employed as a worker at the restaurant.
According to delayed reports, the incident occurred around 8:00 AM on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Ferdous Chakma, son of Parajoy Chakma, hails from Choto Konglak Para.
Eyewitnesses reported that a group of armed PCJSS (Santu) operatives arrived at the spot on two motorcycles. They phoned Ferdous, instructing him to step outside the restaurant. Once he came out, the gunmen forced him onto a motorcycle and drove off toward the Udaypur area.
Local sources revealed that in 2024, Ferdous married Jotna Chakma, the younger daughter of Muni Chakma from Dane Baibachhara village under Baghaihat. A year later, ahead of childbirth, his wife moved to her parental home. Following the delivery, when Ferdous attempted to visit his in-laws' residence to attend the newborn's Kojoipani (traditional blessing ceremony), armed Santu group members stationed in the Choto Konglak area prohibited him from going. However, out of affection for his wife and child, Ferdous secretly visited the house in Baghaihat.
Following the visit, Santu group operatives repeatedly telephoned him, making threats and accusing him of leaking intelligence to rival group UPDF (United People's Democratic Front) while in their territory. Fearing for his safety, Ferdous chose not to return home and instead took up employment as a staff member at "Same Place Restaurant" in Sajek Valley for a monthly wage of BDT 9,000. It was from this establishment that the armed operatives abducted him.
The restaurant is reportedly owned by Ayub Ali of Korengatoli Bazar under Bongoltoli Union in Baghaichhari.
Meanwhile, Ferdous's family remains deeply distressed as he has not been released three days after the incident. Reports suggest he is still being held in the Udaypur area. Local residents have demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
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