Bangladesh's allegations over Khagrachhari violence 'baseless': India

India has strongly dismissed allegations from Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser that it is fuelling unrest in Khagrachhari, calling them “false and baseless.”

Responding to questions at a press briefing on Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Such accusations are untrue and unfounded. The interim government in Bangladesh has repeatedly failed to maintain law and order and has a habit of blaming others. They should engage in self-reflection and thoroughly investigate the violence, arson, and land grabbing targeting minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by local extremists.”

Violence in Khagrachhari erupted on September 23 after a teenage girl from the Marma community alleged she had been raped. Protests quickly spread across the district. Police and army personnel arrested a 19-year-old man named Shoyon Shil the following day. On September 27, demonstrators under the banner of “Jumma Chhatra Janata” enforced a blockade, halting traffic on the Chittagong–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati, and Khagrachhari–Sajek roads.

During the unrest, Section 144 was defied in Guimara, leading to clashes that left at least three dead and several shops looted. Doctors later reported no evidence of rape in the girl’s medical examination.

On September 29, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury suggested Indian involvement in stoking the tension, claiming weapons and funds were being supplied from across the border. He also said attempts were being made to disrupt Durga Puja celebrations.

Chowdhury noted that regional adviser Supradeep Chakma was on the ground coordinating with law enforcement and the administration to restore order. He added: “Some terrorists opened fire from the hills. Many have come from outside, though I will not name the country.”

India’s rejection of these allegations has drawn heightened diplomatic attention between Dhaka and New Delhi.