316 killed in armed attacks in CHT over five years: Home minister

A total of 316 people – 308 civilians and eight security personnel – were killed in attacks by armed groups in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) over the past five years.

During the same period, 490 people, including 435 civilians and 55 security personnel, were injured, while armed groups carried out 97 attacks on security forces.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed shared the information in the Parliament on Wednesday while replying on behalf of the Prime Minister to a question from Manikganj-1 MP SA Jinnah Kabir during the question-answer session.

In his question, the MP sought details of attacks, abductions, forced extortion and the use of illegal firearms by armed groups in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, as well as attacks on members of the Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies.

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According to the minister, armed groups carried out 194 attacks on Bengali communities and 81 attacks on people from different ethnic communities in the three hill districts over the five-year period. The groups are also responsible for 297 abduction incidents, 471 cases of forced extortion and 377 incidents involving the use of illegal firearms, he said.

Outlining the government’s efforts to restore peace and maintain law and order in the region, Salahuddin said that the special military operation is continuing to suppress the activities of armed groups.

He said that the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police and other security agencies have intensified regular patrols and intelligence activities to prevent criminal operations.

The government has adopted a strict policy against armed individuals, extortionists and terrorists operating in the hills, with cases being filed under existing laws and accused persons brought to justice, he added.