Fresh violence has erupted in the Panchhari area of Bangladesh's Khagrachhari district in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), following the killing of three Chakma youths amid an alleged territorial conflict between two armed regional groups—the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS). The incident has triggered widespread tension across the hill region.
According to border sources, the three youths were travelling by auto-rickshaw from the Logang area to Panchhari town on Monday afternoon when they were allegedly forced out of the vehicle and shot at close range by unidentified armed assailants. All three died on the spot.
The deceased have been identified as Pod Chakma, Dhona Chakma, and Real Chakma. The brutal killings have sparked fear and anger among the Chakma community.
Local sources said the rivalry between the UPDF and the JSS over territorial control and dominance has persisted for years, frequently resulting in violent clashes. However, the situation has reportedly worsened in recent months, with both groups allegedly attacking each other whenever opportunities arise. Innocent civilians have increasingly become victims of the ongoing conflict.
Following the killings, security has been tightened across Khagrachhari district and other parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Bangladesh Army, Police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to prevent further violence and maintain law and order. The district administration has also taken additional precautionary measures to ensure that the unrest does not spread to other hill areas.
Several Chakma organizations and community leaders have strongly condemned the killings, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible, an impartial investigation into the incident, and enhanced security for the Chakma population living in the hill districts.
Administrative sources said the authorities in Dhaka are closely monitoring the situation. Concerned government departments have been instructed to keep a close watch on developments, while additional security arrangements are being made in sensitive areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
The triple murder has further heightened instability in a region already affected by decades of armed conflict and retaliatory attacks. Observers fear the violence could also have repercussions in areas along the India-Bangladesh border. The evolving situation is being closely watched by both the authorities and local residents.