In Bilaichari Upazila of Rangamati District, Bangladesh, two Jumma cloth traders were allegedly beaten and detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after being accused of being Indian citizens, while at least 12 local villagers were reportedly injured in a baton charge by BGB personnel, Hill Voice reported on September 28.
The incident reportedly took place at around 5 pm on September 27 in Gachbagan Para, Farua Union No. 3, Bilaichari Upazila. BGB personnel led by Warrant Officer Liaqat Ali of the Dumdumya BGB Camp allegedly detained Manchikka Tanchangya, 30, and Sushil Tanchangya, 32.
The two men are local itinerant cloth traders and were reportedly on their way to Bogakhali Bazaar and Adebap Chara Bazaar when they were detained by BGB personnel. According to local residents, BGB searched their belongings but found no illegal or Indian goods.
However, after the search, the two men were allegedly severely beaten after being accused of being Indian citizens, according to Hill Voice.
The two men were subsequently being taken to Rajasthali Police Station when local villagers stopped the BGB vehicle near Dulubagan Para and asked why the two men were being taken away.
During the ensuing altercation, BGB personnel allegedly beat the villagers with batons and threatened to open fire. It was also alleged that BGB personnel attempted to touch women inappropriately.
At least 12 Jumma men and women were reportedly beaten during the incident. The victims reportedly included members of the Chakma and Tanchangya communities.
Following the incident, BGB personnel took the two cloth traders to the Gachbagan BGB Camp. Local residents said that, as of September 28, the two men remained in BGB custody.
Local residents questioned why the two men were being taken to Rajasthali Police Station instead of Bilaichari Police Station if they had not been found carrying illegal goods.
In addition, a joint force of BGB and the Bangladesh Army was reportedly deployed at Chaichol Army Camp in Farua Union from the afternoon of September 28. Lieutenant Colonel Kawsar Mehdi, Commanding Officer of Kaptai Battalion (41 BGB) in Rangamati, was also reportedly present there, according to Hill Voice.
Panic and concern are currently prevailing among villagers in the area. Local residents reportedly fear that false cases could be filed against them or that their village could be surrounded at night and arrests could be carried out.
Ref: Hill Voice
