Khagrachhari, Bangladesh – Three people were killed in gunfire on Sunday during violent protests linked to the alleged gang rape of a teenage girl in the hill district. All three victims were residents of Guimara Upazila in Khagrachhari.
The deceased have been identified as Athui Marma (21) from Debolchhari Union’s Debolchhari Chairman Para, Athrau Marma (22) from Hafchhari Union’s Sang Cheng Guli Para, and Taiching Marma (20) from Ramsu Bazar’s Bottolar area.
The unrest erupted in Ramsu Bazar, Guimara, under the banner of the “Jummo Chhatra Janata” movement, which had called for blockades in protest of the alleged sexual assault. Clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement personnel, with at least one local group reportedly joining the security forces. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of the three hill community residents, and at least 20 others, including a military major, were injured.
Dr. Shabber Ahmed, Civil Surgeon of Khagrachhari, said that from Sunday through Monday morning, 14 injured individuals were brought to the district hospital. Thirteen remain under treatment, and one has been referred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. The bodies of the deceased are also at the hospital.
Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police, Arefin Jewel, confirmed that the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, and police have been patrolling the area to maintain law and order. He stated that the situation is now under control.
Meanwhile, the official Facebook page of Jummo Chhatra Janata announced that the blockades on the Chittagong–Khagrachhari and Dhaka–Khagrachhari highways have been lifted from 12:00 pm on Monday. A spokesperson told media that the decision was made to ensure medical care for the injured and proper funeral arrangements for the deceased, and the blockades will remain lifted until further instructions.
The incident stems from allegations that a teenage girl was gang-raped late Tuesday night while returning home from a private school. She was found unconscious in a field by her family around 11:00 pm the same night. Police have arrested one suspect, Shoyon Shil, who has been placed under six-day remand by the court.
