UPDF reports 11 members killed in attacks by opponents this year

In the hills of Bangladesh, ongoing clashes between regional political groups have led to a significant number of casualties this year, with the United People‍‍`s Democratic Front (UPDF) suffering the most. 

According to the UPDF, 11 of its leaders and members have been killed in various attacks by their rivals in 2024.

The first attack took place on January 24, when two UPDF members, Robi Kumar Chakma and Shanto Chakma (also known as Bimal), were shot dead in the Mahalchhari area of Khagrachhari. 

The violence continued on February 24, when another UPDF member, Nipon Chakma, was killed by opponents in the Baghaichhari area of Rangamati. 

On June 1, Redas Marma, a former UPDF member, was murdered in the Chailyachhar village of Fatikchhari Union in Chittagong. A few days later, on June 8, Barun Bikash Chakma, a supporter of UPDF, was killed by rivals in the Panchhari region of Khagrachhari.

The attacks continued in the following months. On July 27, Junel Chakma, a member of UPDF, was killed in Dighinala, Khagrachhari. 

In October, the violence intensified. On October 26, Nishant Chakma, another UPDF member, was killed in an armed assault in Panchhari. 

Earlier that month, on October 14, Swarn Kumar Tripura, a UPDF supporter, lost his life in Dighinala. 

Then, on October 30, three more UPDF members—Monya Chakma (Sijon), Khoraksen Tripura (Shashon), and Porantu Chakma (Joyen)—were killed during an attack in Panchhari. 

Finally, on November 10, Miton Chakma, a UPDF organizer and former PCP leader, was shot and killed by opponents.

The UPDF was formed on December 26, 1998, in opposition to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord. 

The group has always called for greater autonomy for the region, and since its formation, it has been in conflict with the JSS, the main signatory of the peace agreement. 

The UPDF has confirmed that a total of 373 people have lost their lives since the group was established, and most of these deaths are believed to be the result of violence from the JSS and UPDF Democratic factions.

These recent killings highlight the ongoing tensions and violent struggles that continue to shape the political landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.