It has been two years since ethnic clashes and violence broke out in September 2024 in Khagrachhari town and Dighinala Upazila of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. However, the report of the investigation committee formed to look into the incidents has still not been made public, Hill Voice reported on September 19.
According to Hill Voice, violence broke out on September 19, 2024, between Bengali settlers and Jumma indigenous communities in Dighinala Upazila and Khagrachhari town, resulting in deaths and injuries, as well as the burning and destruction of homes and shops.
During the violence in Dighinala, one Jumma person was killed and four others were injured, while more than 50 shops, 24 motorcycles and auto-rickshaws were reportedly burned and damaged, according to Hill Voice. In Khagrachhari town, two Jumma youths were also killed and others injured in shootings by security forces, it said.
In connection with the incidents, Bangladesh’s interim government formed a seven-member investigation committee on September 26, 2024. The committee was headed by the Divisional Commissioner (Development) of the Chittagong Division and included administrative and police officials from Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban districts.
The committee was tasked with identifying the causes of the violence, determining those involved in the incidents and making recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. It was instructed to submit its report within two weeks. According to Bangladeshi media reports, the committee visited Lama Square Market in Dighinala and other affected areas, where it collected information from local residents and eyewitnesses.
Hill Voice reported that the investigation committee’s report has still not been made public and that no arrests or legal action have been taken against those allegedly involved in the attacks.
However, The Daily Star reported on September 22, 2024, that two cases had been filed in connection with the incidents in Khagrachhari and Rangamati. One of the cases concerned the death of a person named Mamun, and three individuals had been named as accused, according to the report.
Jumma indigenous organizations and human rights groups have called for those responsible for the violence to be identified and held accountable. However, views differ among organizations regarding the causes of the incidents and who should be held responsible.
Ref: Hill Voice
