Three killed in violent clashes under Section 144 in Guimara after 'rape' of Marma schoolgirl

The home ministry confirmed the deaths, saying all the victims were members of the hill community, though their identities were not released

At least three people have been killed in Khagrachhari’s Guimara in violent clashes that erupted despite restrictions under Section 144 amid heightened tensions over the reported rape of a Marma schoolgirl.

The home ministry in a statement confirmed the deaths, saying all the victims were members of the hill community, though their identities were not released.

The statement read: “The Ministry of Home Affairs deeply regrets the incident in Guimara Upazila, where three hill residents were killed in an attack by miscreants. Thirteen Army personnel, including a Major, as well as three police officers, including the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, and several others were injured.

“The ministry assures that those responsible will face prompt investigation and legal action. No offender will be spared.”

The government also appealed to all parties to remain calm and exercise patience until due process is completed.

Protests erupted in Khagrachhari, blocking the Chattogram-Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari-Rangamati, and Khagrachhari-Sajek roads from early Saturday morning under the banner of “Jumma Chhatra Janata” in response to the “gang-rape” of a Marma schoolgirl.

Tensions rose on Sunday as protesters set tyres on fire and blocked roads with tree trunks. Fearing more violence, the local administration imposed Section 144 from Saturday afternoon, banning all gatherings for an indefinite period.

With Section 144 still in place, a fire broke out at the Ramessu market around 1pm on Sunday, destroying several shops and damaging nearby homes.

The market is located around 100 yards from the Chattogram-Khagrachhari road, and images and videos of the fire spread on Facebook. Most of the shop owners are indigenous, and they have blamed the “settlers” for the attack.

Following the violence, clashes erupted between law enforcement and protesters near the Chattogram-Khagrachhari road. Three bodies were later taken to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.

Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General Ahsan Habib Palash told bdnews24.com: “Three young men aged between 20 and 25 have died. Several others are injured and are receiving treatment.”

Asked about the cause of death, he replied: “Whether they died from gunshot wounds or injuries from projectiles will be determined after the postmortem report.”

The police official added that the situation in Guimara is now “under control”.

Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Mohammad Sabir confirmed that the three bodies were brought to the hospital and are awaiting postmortem, which is scheduled for Monday, while four injured individuals are receiving treatment.

In a Facebook post, Jumma Chhatra Janata condemned the violent actions, accusing the Army and settlers of attacking and looting shops and homes in Guimara.

They announced that the blockade in the three hill districts would continue indefinitely until their demands were met, and all tourism activities would be halted during this period.