Violence Erupts in Bangladesh’s Khagrachari District After Gang Rape Sparks Indigenous Protests
In Bangladesh’s Khagrachari district, a shocking wave of violence has rocked indigenous communities, leaving at least five people dead, many injured, and families displaced. Human rights group the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) reported widespread arson, looting, and gunfire, often backed by security forces, from September 25 to 28.
It all started on September 23 when attackers gang-raped an indigenous Marma schoolgirl in the Isainala area of Khagrachari Sadar. Outraged students and locals hit the streets, demanding the culprits’ arrest and trial. But instead of support, security forces arrested indigenous student leader U Kyaw Marma on September 25, which fueled even bigger protests across the district.
Eyewitnesses told HRCBM that things turned ugly on September 27. Security forces watched as settlers trashed homes in Mahajan Para and tried to break into a Buddhist vihara. Attackers hacked several indigenous villagers with sharp weapons, sending three to the hospital in serious condition.
The next day, September 28, protests by young indigenous people calling for justice became deadly in Guimara. Security forces fired into the crowd, killing three and wounding many others. Settlers then set fire to over 60 shops and 15 homes, looted seven businesses—including a former district council chairman’s house—and burned 13 motorcycles.
HRCBM shared heartbreaking details: Three bodies lie in Khagrachari District Hospital’s morgue, but families can’t even see them. Witnesses say two more people died right at the protest site, with settlers and soldiers carting the bodies away.
On Monday, another group, Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), voiced deep alarm over the Khagrachari violence and urged a full judicial probe. As quoted in Bangladesh’s top Bengali newspaper Prothom Alo, HRFB said: "We must avoid violence, incitement, and confrontational behavior. Let’s solve this peacefully through the law, ensure justice, and protect civil rights. Everyone should step up responsibly, avoid spreading tension, and push for peace."
Dozens of other human rights, cultural, and political organizations in Bangladesh condemned the attacks too. They want quick investigations into the chaos that followed the schoolgirl’s gang rape and the protests.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Bangladesh has seen a surge in protests and lawlessness since last year’s violent uprising toppled the Awami League government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Under the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, crimes against women and children have spiked, shining a harsh light on the country’s crumbling law and order. Indigenous rights advocates worry this Khagrachari violence signals deeper troubles in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
