Bangladesh Officials Link Foreign Arms to Deadly Clashes in Hills

Violence in Bangladesh’s southeastern border region has claimed the lives of three individuals, prompting officials to suggest that foreign weapons are exacerbating tensions. Clashes erupted in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on September 29, 2023, following a protest against the alleged gang rape of an Indigenous woman on September 23.

According to Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the chief of Bangladesh’s interior ministry, the unrest stems from arms supplied by “outside the country.” He stated that these weapons are falling into the hands of “miscreants firing from the hilltops.” Chowdhury did not elaborate on the sources of these arms.

Protests and Military Responses

On Sunday, protesters gathered in Khagrachari district, expressing anger over the alleged sexual assault. A student protester described the scene to AFP, stating, “We had been demonstrating peacefully, restricted to rallies and road blockades.” The situation escalated when security forces intervened, leading to gunfire that resulted in at least three deaths and numerous injuries.

In contrast, the military has denied any wrongdoing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s publicity wing, accused the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), a rebel faction that rejected a 1997 peace agreement, of instigating the violence. The UPDF continues to demand greater autonomy for Indigenous communities in the region.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts has historically been a contentious area, with ongoing disputes between Indigenous groups and Bengali settlers over land and resources. This latest incident adds to the region’s legacy of conflict and raises concerns over the potential for further unrest.

Political Context and Future Challenges

This resurgence of violence complicates the political landscape for interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who is tasked with guiding the nation toward elections scheduled for February 2024. This electoral process marks the first since a significant uprising forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to seek refuge in India last year, resulting in strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi.

As the situation develops, the government faces the challenge of addressing not only the immediate violence but also the underlying issues that have long fueled tensions in the region. The international community is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh, where stability is crucial for the country’s future.