Violence has erupted in the tribal dominated hill district of Khagrachhari, Bangladesh, leaving three tribal people dead and several others injured, according to a statement from the country’s Home Ministry on Sunday. Tensions remain high in the region, prompting the deployment of both the army and police to restore order.
The Home Ministry said that during an attack in Guimara Upazila, 13 army personnel including a major and three policemen, among them the officer in charge of Guimara Police Station, sustained injuries.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed deep sorrow over the incident… Legal action will be taken against those involved after an investigation. No culprit will be spared,” the statement added, urging people to remain patient and calm.
Local media reports suggest the unrest stemmed from outrage over the alleged rape of a tribal schoolgirl. The protest, reportedly organized by a group called Jummu Students, escalated into violent clashes between tribal groups and Bengalis.
The Bangladesh government has since imposed restrictions in the area, banning rallies and blocking public gatherings to prevent further escalation.