Banks close in six Bandarban upazilas following robberies

DESK REPORT

Banks in six upazilas of Bangladesh’s Bandarban district have suspended operations following recent robberies, with only branches in Sadar Upazila remaining open.

Osman Gani, Deputy General Manager of Sonali Bank in Bandarban, confirmed the closures as a security measure. The decision comes after robberies in Thanchi Upazila on Wednesday and Ruma Upazila on Tuesday.

The Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a separatist group, is blamed for Tuesday’s robbery at a Sonali Bank branch in Ruma. The group reportedly looted cash, kidnapped the bank manager, and stole 14 firearms.

A similar incident occurred in Thanchi on Wednesday, with attackers firing blanks and taking mobile phones from people in the market.