Reported & Edited by Elvish Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Panchhari, May 8, 2026
Bangladesh Army personnel allegedly conducted late-night search operations at the homes of four villagers in Tapida Para, Panchhari, Khagrachhari, on Monday, May 4, in what residents described as part of an ongoing pattern of harassment. Local sources said the searches began around 8:00 PM when approximately 30 to 35 troops from the Panchhari Sub-zone arrived in three vehicles via Pujgang Bazar before surrounding the residences. The army reportedly questioned occupants about the United People’s Democratic Front but found no illegal items before returning to their camp.
The four residents whose homes were searched were identified as Sadhan Chakma, 45, son of late Charan Chakma; Jalakkamani Chakma, 65; Mokkana Chakma, 50, son of the late Bir Kumar Chakma; and Bangalle Chakma, 47, son of late Joydhan Chakma. All four live in Tapida Para. According to villagers, personnel moved through the hamlet systematically, entering each house and carrying out inspections while asking about UPDF activities in the area. Residents said the operation created fear in the community, with families concerned about repeated late-night visits by security forces.
Similar incidents were reported in Panchhari in the days leading up to Monday’s operation. On May 1, army personnel allegedly searched the homes of two villagers in Jagatsen Para without stating a clear reason for the action. Two days later, on May 3, allegations emerged from Nildhan Para that a father and son were slapped and humiliated during an interaction with army personnel. These back-to-back reports have heightened unease among residents, who say the frequency of such operations has increased since the start of the month.
Since May 1, a substantial number of troops have also been stationed in temporary camps set up at the Samiti mango orchard in Jagatmohan Para under Chenggi Union and on the hill of the former BGB camp in Chikonchan Para under Logang Union. The visible build-up of personnel in these locations has drawn attention from villagers across Panchhari Sub-zone. Locals noted that while multiple areas have seen searches and patrols over the past week, no operations were reported in Dudukhchhara and Machhchhara, where armed members of the PCJSS (Santu group) are reportedly based.
The apparent omission has led to speculation among some residents about possible coordination between the army and the group, though no official statement has been issued to address the claims. As of Tuesday evening, Bangladesh Army officials had not publicly commented on the May 4 searches in Tapida Para or the earlier incidents reported in Jagatsen Para and Nildhan Para. Community members in Panchhari are urging authorities to clarify the basis for the operations and ensure that security measures do not lead to harassment of civilians.
Disclaimer: This report is based on allegations and testimonies from local residents and community sources. The publisher has not independently verified all claims, and no official response had been issued by Bangladesh Army authorities at the time of publication.
