In response to a surge in criminal activities, including high-profile bank robberies and abductions, Gen SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff, announced on Sunday a comprehensive joint operation in Bandarban.
The initiative marks a significant escalation in efforts to maintain public safety, involving coordination among the
Bangladesh Army, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
During a press briefing at the Bandarban Cantonment, Gen Shafiuddin disclosed, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our citizens. We are implementing both overt and covert strategies to achieve tangible results from this operation."
The recent criminal spree has alarmed the local populace, prompting high-ranking military officials, including Gen Shafiuddin, to visit Bandarban. Their presence aims to reassure the community in the aftermath of unsettling events.
A breakthrough came on Friday night when the operation led to the arrest of several armed suspects. The crackdown, according to Gen Shafiuddin, signals the militarys unwavering resolve against groups undermining regional stability. He particularly mentioned the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a group previously engaged in peace negotiations. "Despite our hopes for peace, the KNF reverted to criminal conduct," he said.
"After being cornered last June, they appeared willing to negotiate. Unfortunately, their commitment to peace was superficial, as evidenced by their continued involvement in criminal acts," he added.
In an earlier address to the troops, Gen Shafiuddin called for bravery and vigilance in combating crime, underscoring the importance of this mission to national security and public well-being.
Chief of Army Staff Gen SM Shafiuddin Ahmed says law enforcers have apprehended criminals and recovered weapons in raids on the hill districts.
"Everyone is working to their fullest to dispel public anxiety," he told the media during a visit to Bandarban following the robberies, kidnapping, and gunfire in Bandarbans Ruma and Thanchi Upazilas two days ago.
"We are doing all we can. You may have heard that our law enforcers succeeded in apprehending a few criminals last night and some weapons have been recovered."
Ahmed lamented that the government had rusted the Kuki-Chin National Front, aka the Bawm Party, during peace talks while they had conspired internally.
Still, the Bangladesh Army is fully capable of dealing with the new situation in the hill region due to the KNFs activity in the past few days, he said.
"At the beginning, we trusted them a bit. We thought that, as peace negotiations were ongoing and had not ended, things would remain peaceful. But they created this unrest in the middle of [these talks]."
"The necessary steps are being taken. Inshallah, the people will have peace once again and they will see that there is no place for criminals in Bangladesh."
In 2022, RAB reported that the armed organisation was providing military training to members of the new militant group Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqqiya in exchange for money.
On March 30 in 2023, a peace establishment committee consisting of members of various ethnic groups was formed after law enforcers clashed with KNF in the hill tracts area. In July and August of that year, the KNF had two virtual discussions with the committee.
The committee met with the KNF directly for the first time on November 5 at two direct meetings in Munlai Para, five kilometres from Ruma Sadar. Representatives of the local administration and law enforcing agencies were present at the meeting for the first time.
The start of the peace talks stirred hope among residents of an end to the killing and violence in the hill area.
After both incidents were linked to the KNF, the peace establishment committee held a press conference on April 4, stating that it was
ot possible to continue dialogue with the armed group. On Sunday, army chief Gen Shafiuddin visited Ruma and Thanchi by helicopter.
