Recent sectarian violence in Bangladesh’s hilly region has left ethnic minorities in fear, with four people killed and many wounded. Clashes erupted following the lynching of a Bengali man, leading to displacement of families and destruction of homes and businesses in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). In response, student-led ethnic groups have initiated a 72-hour blockade in three districts, demanding justice for the unrest.
Seeking international intervention, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Oikya Parishad (HBCOP) has urged the UN to investigate the communal violence. Despite security measures, tension persists in the area. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, expressed regret over the violence and vowed to prioritize residents’ safety.
The historical backdrop of resettling Bengali families in the CHT has fueled tensions with indigenous groups. A peace accord signed in 1997 aimed to end a 25-year insurgency for political autonomy in the region.
Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024