Extortion Drives Unrest in CHT, Warns Home Adviser

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam has pinpointed rampant extortion as the key factor behind the persistent unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

During a press briefing at the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sector Headquarters in Rangamati on Thursday afternoon, the adviser emphasized the urgent need to address both extortion and violence in the region.

“While many speak boldly, they continue to allow terrorist activities to thrive in the hills,” he remarked, vowing that strong and decisive action would be taken against those engaged in extortion and militancy.

“Such activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances and will be met with a firm response,” he warned.

The adviser also highlighted the challenges faced in restoring law and order, citing the failure to recover all stolen weapons following the 5 August incident as a key obstacle.

In response to a reporter’s question, Lt Gen Alam criticized some Indian media outlets for spreading false narratives about Bangladesh, calling on Bangladeshi media to counter these reports with accurate information.

“Bangladesh's media should step up and ensure the truth is reported,” he urged.

Hill Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, BGB Director General Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Habib Ullah, Superintendent of Police Dr SM Farhad Hossain, Civil Surgeon Dr Nuyen Khisa, and other senior officials were also present at the briefing.

Earlier in the day, the advisers visited the Sajek region in Baghaichhari upazila, where they engaged in discussions with local representatives. In response to a series of recent fire incidents in Sajek, the Home Affairs Adviser directed the Fire Service Director General to deploy a temporary fire truck in the area to enhance firefighting capabilities.