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Amid growing tensions following the recent rape of a schoolgirl in Khagrachari, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma has called on both hill communities and Bengali residents to unite in addressing the evolving situation.
He made the call during a special law and order meeting held at the Khagrachari District Administration’s conference room on Sunday morning.
The meeting was convened to discuss possible measures to restore peace and order in the region.
The adviser urged the administration to take strict action to maintain law and order in the hills and to prevent any further loss of life or property.
He also called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant so that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Khagrachari following the rape incident and an ongoing road blockade. Public anxiety is palpable, and a heavy presence of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police has been deployed in an effort to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors unless there is an emergency.
Section 144 is currently in effect across Khagrachari Municipality, Sadar Upazila, and Guimara Upazila, prohibiting public gatherings.
The indefinite road blockade—now in its second day—has been enforced under the banner of Jumma students and local residents.
Protesters are demanding the immediate arrest of all perpetrators involved in the rape, compensation for the victim’s family, and justice for those allegedly assaulted during related protests.
As a result, all types of vehicular movement remain suspended in the district.
Tensions escalated further in Guimara Upazila on Sunday evening after an armed attack by miscreants left three people dead and several others injured.
On September 23, a schoolgirl was reportedly raped in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar. Her father filed a case at the Sadar Police Station against three unidentified individuals.
The following morning, acting on a tip-off, police—with the assistance of the army—arrested a suspect, Shayan Shil.