A clash broke out between the Prasit faction and the Democratic faction of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Khagrachhari’s Chengi Square area on Tuesday (August 5) around 11 a.m. One female supporter of the Prasit faction was injured during the incident.Local sources reported that both factions of the UPDF organized separate rallies to mark the first anniversary of the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The Prasit faction, led by Prasit Khisa, began its procession from Swarnabhar Bazar. Tensions escalated when the rally reached Chengi Square, leading to a chase and counter-chase between the two groups. During the clash, a banner of the Prasit faction was set on fire, causing panic in the surrounding area.
Angya Marma, spokesperson for the UPDF Prasit faction, blamed the Democratic UPDF for the violence. He stated, “This morning, we held a peaceful rally to commemorate the fall of the fascist Sheikh Hasina government. When our procession reached Chengi Square, the Democratic UPDF attacked us, injuring one of our female activists.”
In contrast, Amar Jyoti Chakma, a central leader of the Democratic UPDF, denied the allegations and accused the Prasit faction of initiating the violence. He said, “We organized a rally to mark the fall of the fascist Awami League government. After we began our procession, the Prasit faction attacked us with bricks and stones, leading to a chase and counter-chase. Our banners and festoons were also damaged.”
Following the clash, supporters of the Democratic UPDF, led by the Hill Students’ Council (PCP), held a protest rally starting from Chengi Square and ending in front of the Suryashikha Club. During the rally, PCP General Secretary Kolin Chakma delivered a speech.
Abdul Baten Mridha, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, said, “There was brief tension and a chase between the two factions. The situation is now under control, and additional police have been deployed in the town.”
