Bandarban
Training commander of Jamatul Ansar, 8 other militants arrested in Bandarban: RAB
Nine members, including a training commander, of militant group Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya have been arrested in a drive conducted by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Tongkaboti in sadar upazila of Bandarban.
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rab’s legal and media wing, revealed the information while briefing the media on Monday (March 13, 2023).
Members of RAB 1, 11, and 15 conducted a joined drive and arrested them along with arms and explosives, he said.
Also Read: 3 more members of new militant group Jamatul Ansar held in N'ganj
The arrestees are training commander Didar Hossain alias Masum, Alamin Sardar, Sainun Raihan, Tahiyat Chowdhury alias Pavel, Md. Lokman Mia, Md. Imran Hossain, Md. Amir Hossain, Md. Ariful Rahman, and Shamim Mia.
With the new arrests, 68 members of the new militant outfit have been arrested so far, Al Moin said.
“Thirty-eight people were arrested from the Chattogram Hill Tracts, and two of them died,” he said.
Read More: Clash over Ahmadiyya event: Over 8,200 sued, 81 arrested in Panchagarh
Seventeen members of armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) have been arrested so far, he added.
The elite force also seized arms and explosives from the arrestees.
These arrests are not related to the attack on members of the army last Sunday, the RAB official said.
Read More: Three arrested with 400 bottles of phensedyl in Chapainawabganj: RAB
Kuki-Chin separatist shot dead by Army in Bandarban
A member of the armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) was shot to death in a reported gunfight with members of the Army in Ruma upazila of Bandarban district on Saturday.
The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately.
Tipped off, a team of Bangladesh Army conducted a drive at the middle point of Arthapara and Baslang Para in the evening, said Alamgir Hossain, officer-in-charge of Ruma Police Station.
Sensing danger, the KNF members opened fire at the Army, forcing them to fire back, according to the soldiers' account. One separatist was shot dead.
Later, police recovered the body of the KNF member from the spot in the morning.
Also read; Indigenous man shot dead in Bandarban
One gun, ten bullets and different goods used by the criminal gang were seized from the spot.
Being panicked, the local people took shelter at Marma Welfare Centre in Ruma upazila Headquarters. Local administration with the help of the Army provided food and medical assistance to them.
A group of young men formed the banned armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in 2020, according to authorities.
1 Rohingya shot dead, 2 others wounded in Bandarban border shootout
A Rohingya man was shot dead while two others sustained bullet injuries in a gunfight between two armed groups of Myanmar along Tumbru border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Hamid Ullah, 27, a resident of Balukhali Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar while the injured are Mohib Ullah, 25, and Mohammad Hossain, 12. They are the residents of Jadimuda Camp-26 in Teknaf upazila of the district.
According to police and local sources, the firing started between the groups--Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO ) on the zero line of Konarpara of Tumbru border of Ghumdhum union of Naikhongchhari upazila in the morning.
Multiple incidents of gunfire occurred at a Rohingya camp, set up on the zero line, since 6:00am, leaving the trio injured with bullets.
They were rushed to MSF-run hospital in Kutupalong Rohingya camp where physicians declared Hamid dead, Mahfuzul Islam, superintendent of police in Cox’s Bazar, said.
Read more: Unexploded mortar shells found near Bangladesh-Myanmar border
Besides, the injured have been undergoing treatment at the hospital, he said.
Visiting the spot, the UNB correspondent found that some 30 Rohingyas including children took shelter in Ghumdhum union parishad (UP) leaving the zero line camp following the gunfight.
Later, locals took the Rohingyas to a government primary school for safety.
Ghumdhum UP Chairman Md Jahangir Aziz said locals were in panic following the gunfight between the two armed groups.
Some 4,280 Rohingyas have been residing at the zero line camp since 2017.
12 militants, 14 KNF members arrested so far in anti-militancy drive in Bandarban: RAB
Twelve members of new militant group 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' and 14 members of armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) have been arrested so far in the ongoing anti-militancy drive that started on October 10,2022.
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rapid Action Battalion’s (RAB) legal and media wing, disclosed this at a press briefing over the arrest at zila parishad office in the town on Thursday.
He briefed reporters after the arrest of five suspected members of new militant outfit 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' from Thanchi and Rowangchhari upazilas of Bandarban.
Read More: 3 ‘members of new militant outfit’ held with arms, explosives in Bandarban
They were brought to the Rab office in the town in the morning.
“Besides, we have a list of 55 people who took training in the hills being inspired by militancy. Legal steps will be taken against those who have been arrested, said Moin.
The ban on tourism in Rowangchhari, Thanchi and Ruma upazilas is still on as the anti-militancy drive is continuing in the hill district.
The main purpose of the drives by the elite force was to capture those who are taking shelter and taking training there after tracing their location, said Moin.
Read More: Bandarban: Ban on tourism in 3 upazilas extended till Dec 11
In 2021, the Amir of Jamatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqiya had an agreement with the CHT-based armed group KNF regarding militant training in the area till next year. As per the agreement, Tk 3 lakh per month and food expenses of all KNF members were to be borne, the RAB official said in a press briefing last year.
3 ‘members of new militant outfit’ held with arms, explosives in Bandarban
Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested three suspected members of new militant outfit 'Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya', from Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban and Kadamtoli area in Dhaka.
The arrestees were Kabir Ahmed, 50, arms supplier, Yeasin, 40, an aide of Shamim Mahfuz, a mastermind of the new militant group and trainer and Abdur Rahman Imran.
Kabir Ahmed was arrested from Bandarban and the rest were arrested from Dhaka based on information given by Kabir.
The members of the new militant outfit used local and foreign made firearms during their training, said DMP's Additional Police Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman, also CTTC chief at a press briefing held at DMP media centre on Monday.
Police also seized three locally made arms, six guns, 11 bullets, lead, acid, gun powder, octane and other chemicals from their possession, said Asaduzzaman.
The CTTC unit conducted the drives based on the information gleaned from two members of the new militant group--Saiful Islam Tuhin and Naim Hossain, who were arrested from the hill districts of Chattogram on December 21, he said.
After interrogation, police identified Kabir as the main arms supplier and arrested him from Bandarban district.
Following interrogation, they seized the arms and ammunition from two plastic drums, digging soil in a hilly area of Bandarban, said the CTTC chief.
During interrogation, Kabir confessed to police that that he was the main arms supplier the militant outfit and he planned to supply the arms seized during the drive to some extremists, he said.
Read more: Jamaat ameer involved in breeding new militant outfit: CTTC chief
Mahfuz contacted Kabir several times for arms for providing training to the militants, he said.
Meanwhile, the team conducted another drive in Kadamtoli area of the capital and arrested two more members of the outfit, he added.
It is known that, Yeasin and Rahman were two active members of the outfit and close aide of Mahfuz and through Rahman Mahfuz used to run his financial activities, said Asaduzzaman.
Replying a question, Asaduzzaman said they are working for those who have fled their houses and it is still not clear yet how many members are there in the militant outfit.
A case was filed under Anti-terrorism Act with Demra Police Station and remand will be sought for the arrestees after producing them before the court, he said.
From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.
Bandarban: Ban on tourism in 3 upazilas extended till Dec 11
Bandarban district administration has further extended the temporary ban on tourism in Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas till December 11 as part of the safety measures for tourists.
A public notice in this regard was issued on Saturday, signed by Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Yeasmin Tibriji.
The ban on tourism in three upazilas has been extended upon receiving a letter from Bandarban Cantonment.
This is the tenth consecutive time that such restriction has been extended for the safety of tourists amid an anti-militancy drive in the district's remote areas.
On November 27, the ban on tourism in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas was extended till today.
Earlier, the local administration lifted the restriction from Alikadam upazila and Thanchi upazila on November 12 and November 16, respectively.
The administration imposed a temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on October 18.
Later on October 23, the local administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas due to the same reason.
From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.
Ban on tourism in 2 Bandarban upazilas extended till Nov 20
Bandarban district administration has further extended the temporary ban on tourism in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas till November 20 as part of high security measures.
A public notice in this regard was issued from Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday upon receiving a letter from Bandarban Cantonment.
Meanwhile, the travel ban on Thanchi upazila has been lifted, it added.
Read more: Bandarban: Ban on tourism in 3 upazilas extended till Nov 16
Taking into consideration the safety of tourists, the travel ban on domestic and foreign tourists has been extended in the two upazilas, said the notice signed by Yasmin Parvin Tibriji, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner.
This is the seventh time that such restriction has been extended for the safety of tourists amid anti-militancy drive in the district's remote forested areas.
On November 12, the ban on tourism in the three upazilas was extended till today.
On November 8, the restriction was lifted from Alikadam upazila.
Read more: Tourists leaving Bandarban amid security drive to remove suspected militants, criminals
The administration imposed the temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on October 18.
Later on October 23, the local administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas due to the same reason.
From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.
Bangladeshi man loses a leg in landmine blast along Myanmar border
A Bangladeshi man has lost a leg in a landmine explosion along Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban.
The injured is Belal,38, son of Abdul Hakim of Kachhapia Union of Cox's Bazar.
Read more: Another Bangladeshi youth loses a leg in Myanmarese landmine explosion
Superintendent of Police (SP) Tariqul Islam said the explosion occurred when he drifted across the border to bring back his cows around 7am on Wednesday.
Locals took him to a Cox's Bazar Hospital for treatment, said Md. Shafiullah, chairman of Naikhanchari upazila.
On September 16, a Rohingya boy was killed and five others were injured as a mortar shell fired by Myanmar army exploded at Zero Point Rohingya Camp.
On the same day, another Bangladeshi youth was seriously injured in a landmine explosion along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban.
Read more: Ghumdhum resident injured as Myanmarese landmine explodes along border
Besides, another man lost a leg in a landmine explosion near the border with Myanmar along Naikhongchhari of Bandarban on October 5.
In the face of continuous gunfire and mortar shelling inside Myanmar close to the Bangladesh border local authorities evacuated 30 families from Dochari and Ghumdhum unions at Naikhongchhari on October 23.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently summoned Myanmar envoy to Dhaka several times and formally protested against the move by the Buddhist-majority nation’s military.
Buddhist community celebrates 'Maha Pinddaan' in Bandarban
Maha Pinddaan, a traditional festival of the Buddhist community of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, was held this morning with much enthusiasm.
‘Maha Pinddaan' is a festival where various items are donated to the monks.
About three hundred Buddhist monks from different monasteries of Bandarban participated in this festival.
The Buddhist monks left Rajguru Buddhist Temple and returned there after circumambulating Madhyampara, Ujani Para and Jadipara.
Read more: ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’ festival begins in Rangamati
At this time, Buddhist men and women distributed cash, fruits, clothes, soft drinks and various kinds of food to the monks.
This Maha Pinddaan festival is organized after donating the ‘Kathin Chibor Dan' (new robes for monks) to the monks.
Seeking divine blessings of Lord Goutam Buddha for lasting peace and prosperity for the people of all communities in CHT, the Buddhists offered prayers in the temple.
Read more: Leaving fear behind Durga appears in tribal outfit in Ctg
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing, Zila Parishad chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla , District Commissioner Yasmin Parvin Tibriji and other dignitaries also donated various items to the monks.
Ban on tourism in 3 Bandarban upazilas extended till Nov 12, lifted from Alikadam
Bandarban district administration has further extended the temporary ban on tourism in Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas till November 12 as part of high security measure while lifted it from Alikadam upazila.
A public notice regarding the extension and withdrawal of the ban was issued from Bandarban Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday evening following a letter from Bandarban Cantonment.
Due to the improvement in security situation the restriction has been lifted from Alikadam upazila, said the notice signed by Yasmin Parvin Tibriji, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner.
Read more: Ban on tourism in Bandarban extended till Nov 8
Meanwhile, the travel ban on domestic and foreign tourists has been extended in the three upazilas as the law enforcement agencies will continue intelligence activities against suspected militants, said the notice.
The administration imposed the temporary restriction on visitors in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on October 18.
Later on October 23, the local administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas due to the same reason.
The restriction was extended on October 19 and November 4.
Read more: 230 ethnic minority families to get ‘Machang Ghar’ in Bandarban under Ashrayan scheme
From October 10, law enforcement agencies started a joint drive against the underground extremists and criminals in the district.
So far, seven militants and three local criminals have been arrested with local arms from forested hills of Bandarban and Rangamati during the operations.