UPDF pauses boycott, but Panchhari Bazar traders are still nervous

The United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) a regional organisation in the hill districts, has announced a pause in its boycott of Panchhari Bazar in Khagrachhari – a programme it had started to call for justice over the killing of four leaders of the group. However, traders at the bazar are still anxious about their business.

The UPDF announced it was suspending the boycott from Apr 1 – Apr 20 in consideration of Boisabi, the New Year’s festival celebrated by many of Bangladesh’s minority ethnic groups, and Eid-ul-Fitr, a major holiday for Muslims.

The announcement has led to an uptick in customers at the bazar and more business, traders say. But they note that the boycott - which has been in place since December – has endangered several businesses, reports bdnews24.com.

If the UPDF reinstates the boycott after Apr 20, traders say they will be in trouble once again. The uncertainty is causing anxiety.

 “We have no choice,” said a vendor of agricultural produce at the market. “If you don’t listen to the party, there’ll be lots of trouble. Many of us buy agricultural products from the area and sell them in the market. That’s how we earn a livelihood and provide for our families.”

 “The bazar boycott doesn’t just affect Bengalis. All of us who live in the hill areas are hurt by it. Now it remains to be seen what happens after Apr 20.”

On Dec 11, 2023, four UPDF leaders of the faction led by Prasit Khisa were killed in a shooting at Anil Para in Panchari’s Logang Union. The dead men have been identified Gonotantrik Jubo Forum's Organising Secretary Bipul Chakma, Pahari Chhatra Parishad Vice-President Sunil Tripura, Gonotantrik Jubo Forum leader Liton Chakma, and UPDF member Ruhin Bikash Tripura.

The UPDF pointed the finger at the UPDF (Ganatantrik) faction for the killing, but the group denied it.

In response to the killings, the UPDF conducted hartals and road blockades and began boycotting the Panchhari Bazar from Dec 12. They have extended the boycott several times and suspended it at times.

On Mar 29, Apu Tripura, the chief organiser of the UPDF Panchhari unit, suspended the indefinite boycott in a press statement.

 “An indefinite boycott is underway to demand the arrest and punishment of the killers of Bipul, Sunil, Liton, and Ruhin. However, in consideration of the upcoming Boisabi – the main social festival for hill groups – and the Eid festival for the Muslim community, the party has decided to suspend the Panchhari market boycott programme from Apr 1 to Apr 20 in view of the market committee’s request,” it said.

"If no action is taken to arrest the killers within the stated period, the market boycott will resume from Apr 21," the UPDF statement said.

Traders at Panchhari market were relieved by the announcement because they could conduct business unhindered for Eid and Boisabi.

Abul Kashem, a seller of electronic goods at Panchhari Bazar, said, “Members of the hill tribes do not buy anything from the market when the regional organisation announces a market boycott. If necessary, they will buy goods from Khagrachhari Sadar Bazar, 25 km away. We businessmen are affected by this."

Kanu Sikder, a hardware trader in the market, said, “The employees at the shop have to be paid regularly. Due to the boycott, members of hill tribes do not come to buy goods from the market even for special needs. If it is urgent, they buy it from Khagrachhari.”

Mantosh Saha, Rafiqul Islam, Shamim Ahmed all own clothing businesses in the market. They say the pause in the boycott can reduce their losses to some extent by freeing up sales around Eid and Boisabi. Otherwise, they would have no option.

But the traders say the local administration and the government should take the initiative to find a permanent solution to the situation.

When asked about the situation, Panchhari Upazila executive officer (UNO) Anjan Das said, "We spoke to them before the UPDF suspended the market boycott programme. But we haven’t spoken to them after that."