Army busts UPDF hideout in Khagrachhari forest, seizes arms and ammo

The ISPR says the UPDF forced local men, women, and students to chant anti-Army slogans to foil the raid

The Bangladesh Army has conducted a raid on a hideout of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), a group seeking full autonomy for the Chattogram Hill Tracts, in Khagracchari’s Panchhari Upazila.

The operation was conducted around 5am on Monday in the dense forest in Juboneshwarpara area, leading to the recovery of arms and ammunition despite the outfit's attempt to foil the Army raid, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

“Based on an intelligence tip-off, a team of the Army raided a secret den of the UPDF. Their top local group commander Sumen Chakma fled after sensing the presence of the Army.”

Later, a pistol, a magazine of bullets, two rounds of ammunition, 15 banners, two walkie-talkie chargers, two mobile phones, sharp weapons and other equipment were recovered from the scene.

The ISPR said the UPDF forced local men, women, and students to chant slogans against the Army to thwart the raid.

"After observing the incident today and those over the past few days, it is evident that the UPDF and its affiliates are forcing women and soft-hearted children to take part in sabotage activities and bring instability to the hill tracts in a planned manner,” ISPR said in the statement.

It also said that Army operations were under way to find the absconding armed members of the UPDF to ensure the safety and security of the general people in different areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts.