Many want to take advantage by creating conflicts in the hills: Nahid

He calls for unity among all communities in Bangladesh

Many are trying to gain advantages by creating divisions between the hill and Bengali communities, says ICT Advisor Nahid Islam.

“We will not give them the opportunity. We will say, the hills and plains together make Bangladesh,” he said during a discussion with residents at Larma Square in Dighinala of Khagrachhari on Saturday evening.

Nahid announced support for those affected by recent violence and stressed the need for justice against those responsible.

“Those responsible for violence, including burning shops, will face the law. We urge everyone not to take the law into their own hands,” he added.

The discussion followed protests on Thursday by students at Dighinala Degree College against the murder of a youth named Mamun, who was killed in a ‘mass beating’ over suspicions of theft on Wednesday morning.

A clash began at one point during the protest march. Then, one side set fire to stores in Larma Square. The victims of the fire say that 60 to 70 stores were burnt down by the blaze.

Three people later died while undergoing treatment at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital after sustaining injuries in the clashes.

Following the rioting in Dighinala, gunfire broke out in the district headquarters on Thursday night, causing panic throughout the area.

To prevent further violence, the district administration imposed Section 144 banning all forms of gathering in Khagrachhari's municipal area and district headquarters from 2pm on Friday.

The violence from Khagrachhari spread to another hill town, Rangamati, where another person was killed, and at least 50 others were injured during the clashes.

In response to the violence, Section 144 was also imposed in Rangamati’s municipal area starting at 1:30pm on Friday.

Advisors Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and AF Hassan Ariff toured the two hill districts on Saturday amid the conflict.

Nahid, while visiting the affected areas, emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve issues.

“If someone commits a crime, do not take it upon yourselves to punish them. There are authorities for that. We must work together to ensure peace.”

He concluded, “I was not supposed to be here. I came from Feni to understand the situation here. Unrest in any part of Bangladesh impacts the entire nation. We must stand united as we strive for a better future.”