Violence has erupted in Rangamati, resulting in one death and over 50 injuries, following tensions that originated in Khagrachhari.
Dr. Shawkat Akbar Khan, the residential medical officer at Rangamati Sadar Hospital, confirmed the casualty but could not identify the deceased. In response to the escalating situation, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan has imposed Section 144 in the municipal area.
Local sources report that on Friday morning, ethnic minority students held a protest in Rangamati in reaction to the violence in Dighinala, Khagrachhari. As the march reached Banarupa Bazaar, panic and rumors spread, leading to attacks on businesses and several shops being set ablaze.
Army personnel were deployed and managed to regain control, but tensions remain high. Joint patrols of police, army, and BGB have been initiated to maintain order, resulting in decreased vehicle movement and public activity in the area.
Dr. Khan noted that 53 people received medical treatment due to the clashes, with 19 requiring hospitalization. Three critically injured individuals were transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
Rangamati's Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md Saiful Islam confirmed the situation is currently under control, with law enforcement actively involved. He also verified the death related to Friday's clashes.
District Commissioner Khan stated that the unexpected incidents in Rangamati prompted the enforcement of Section 144, which will remain in effect until further notice. Additional forces from the army, BGB, and police have been deployed to the area.
Earlier, on Thursday, clashes between two groups in Dighinala resulted in significant unrest, with multiple instances of arson destroying at least 60 shops in Larma Square.
