UPDF leader killed, two sisters injured in armed attack in Rangamati

A United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Prasit faction) leader was killed and two of his sisters sustained injuries in an armed attack in Rangamati’s Naniarchar upazila.

The attack took place around 6:15am in the Kudukchhari residential area on Friday (April 17).

The deceased was identified as Dhanasingh Chakma, central vice president of the Democratic Youth Forum, an affiliate of UPDF. He died on the spot.

During the incident, his two sisters—Bhagya Shova Chakma and Kripa Sona Chakma—were also shot while trying to save him, leaving them critically injured. They were initially taken to Rangamati General Hospital.

Emergency Medical Officer Dr Anthony Chakma said both women arrived at around 7:30am with gunshot wounds—one in the elbow and the other in the palm. They were given primary treatment before being referred to Chattogram for advanced care.

According to locals, a group of armed men took positions in the area overnight before opening fire on Dhanasingh Chakma at dawn.

UPDF has alleged that the attack was carried out by an armed faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) loyal to Santu Larma. However, the JSS has denied the allegation.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Md Abdur Raqib confirmed the incident, saying police and army joint teams were en route to the scene to recover the body and investigate the attack.

Security has been tightened in the area, which remains tense following the incident.

Locals reported that repeated clashes between rival armed groups in the hill tracts continue to put civilians at risk, renewing calls for effective measures to curb violence in the region.