The Rangamati district administration has enacted Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, in response to violent clashes between Bangali locals and ethnic minorities that resulted in three fatalities and numerous injuries.
The order was issued at 1:30 PM on Friday and will remain in effect until further notice, according to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan.
The violence, which included arson attacks in Khagrachhari, claimed the lives of Dhananjay Chakma, Rubel Tripura, and 20-year-old Junan Chakma. They succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at Adhunik Sadar Hospital.
On Thursday night, heavy gunfire echoed across several areas of the town, instilling fear throughout the district. The shooting persisted late into the night, with Dhananjay Chakma reported to have died during clashes in Dighinala that evening. The other two victims were brought to the hospital later with serious injuries.
Ripple Bappi Chakma, the resident medical officer at Khagrachhari District Hospital, confirmed that 17 individuals were treated for injuries sustained during the violence, with three fatalities. The causes of death will be determined following autopsies. Currently, nine patients are receiving treatment at the hospital, and four individuals were transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for more advanced care, including one Bangali patient.
These incidents followed the death of a Bangali man, Md Mamun, who died after being attacked by a mob on suspicions of motorcycle theft in Khagrachhari on Wednesday.
Section 144 empowers executive magistrates to restrict public gatherings in urgent cases of nuisance or potential danger.
