Five-member probe committee formed over Khagrachari violence
NEWS DESK
A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the clashes that erupted in Khagrachari on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and the destruction of shops and homes.
Khagrachari deputy commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandaker shared the update during a relief distribution programme at Ramsu Bazar on Tuesday afternoon.
He said the administration was also assessing the damage and working to provide financial aid and rehabilitation for affected families.
‘To ensure a fair investigation, the district administration has formed a five-member committee. We have also held meetings with leaders of the protesting group, Jumma Chhatra-Janata,’ he stated.
He added that efforts were underway to reach a peaceful resolution through dialogue, noting that seven of the protesters’ eight demands had already been addressed.
‘We visited the area immediately after the incident, and today we’ve returned with relief materials to support the victims. The injured have been sent to Chattogram for advanced treatment, and steps are being taken to rehabilitate the families of the deceased,’ the deputy commissioner said.
Section 144, imposed in Khagrachari Municipality, Sadar, and Guimara upazila on September 27, remained in effect as of Tuesday.
Authorities said the restriction would be lifted once the blockade enforced by Jumma Chhatra-Janata—protesting the alleged rape of a Marma schoolgirl—is withdrawn.
The road blockade, enforced by Jumma Chhatra-Janata, continued for the fifth day on Tuesday amid tight security in protest against the rape, New Age correspondent in Khagrachari reported.
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Long-haul bus services have not resumed while a few auto-rickshaws and easy bikes were seen operating on the local roads on the day.
The platform announced on Monday that the blockade on the Chattogram–Khagrachari and Dhaka–Khagrachari highways was relaxed.
Local Marma residents present at the relief event demanded an end to harassment in connection with cases filed against the injured.
Khagrachari superintendent of police Arefin Jewel said the police were working to restore law and order.
‘We’ve asked the families of the deceased to file cases. If they choose not to, the police will take necessary steps and file cases on their behalf,’ he added.
Protests began on September 24, when Jumma Chhatra-Janata demanded justice for the alleged rape of a Marma schoolgirl in Singinala, Khagrachari Sadar, on September 23. The demonstrations escalated into road blockades and clashes, prompting the imposition of Section 144 on September 27.
On September 28, three Marma residents were shot dead, and dozens—including law enforcers—were injured during violence in Ramsu Bazar.
