Background: Rising unrest in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts

Violence erupted in Khagrachhari, Bangladesh, as protests over the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl intensified. Demonstrators—including large numbers from ethnic minority communities—have long accused authorities of neglecting crimes against women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where tensions over land rights, autonomy, and police accountability already run high.

How events escalated

Thousands gathered in Khagrachhari’s hill district to demand justice and the arrest of suspects in the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl belonging to an ethnic minority. The protest, intended to be peaceful, turned violent when clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces. In response, the security forces opened fire on the crowd.

Fatalities and injuries

At least three people—all from the indigenous/ethnic community—were shot dead during the violence. Several others sustained injuries as security forces tried to disperse the protesters.

Claims, demands, and public reaction

  • Protest leaders claimed the rape suspects remained at large and accused the police and administration of failing to act.

  • Barrister Devasish Roy, the Raja of the Chakma Circle, condemned the violence and called for exemplary punishment of those responsible for the sexual assault.

  • Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed outrage at the deaths and raised concerns that vested interests may have inflamed what began as a peaceful protest. TIB also highlighted that several rape cases involving indigenous women in Khagrachhari in the past year have not led to justice.

  • Reports noted that in the last twelve months, at least seven indigenous women in Khagrachhari district were raped, but none of the cases secured proper judicial outcomes.

    • Official response and security deployment

    In response to the escalating situation, authorities deployed additional security forces in Khagrachhari. The incident has drawn criticism of law enforcement practices, particularly regarding the use of live fire against civilians. Calls are mounting for immediate action to ensure justice for the victim and accountability for excessive force.

    Conclusion

    The deadly clashes in Khagrachhari underscore deep-rooted issues in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts: marginalisation of minority communities, impunity in addressing crimes against women, and volatile relations between citizens and security forces. The incident has intensified demands for transparent investigations, justice for the rape survivor, and independent scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of protests.