Youth killed in attack on Cox's Bazar Air base

A young man was killed and several were injured in a clash between locals and the members of Bangladesh Air base in Cox’s Bazar over eviction of residents for the expansion of the airport. 

The incident occurred around noon on Monday in the Samiti Para area of Cox’s Bazar municipality.  

The deceased, identified as Shihab Kabir Nahid, 30, was son of Nasir Uddin from the same area and was a businessman by profession. However, the identities of the injured individuals have not been confirmed yet.  

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital police outpost in-charge Saiful Islam confirmed the death and stating five others were receiving treatment.  

Earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department reported that armed miscreants had attacked the Cox’s Bazar Air Force Base. The local administration and Air Force personnel were working together to control the situation.  

According to local residents, a meeting between Air Force officials and community representatives was scheduled at the district administration office to discuss the relocation of residents due to land acquisition for the airport expansion. 

Around noon, a group, including local resident Md. Zahid, was on their way to the district administration office in an auto-rickshaw. When their vehicle reached the Air Force checkpoint near the Diabetic Point area, it was stopped. The Air Force personnel asked Zahid to step out of the vehicle, leading to an argument. 

As they attempted to detain him, news spread quickly, and local residents gathered at the scene, attempting to prevent his removal. This led to a violent clash between the two sides.  
During the altercation, Air Force personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, injuring at least 10 to 15 people. Some of the injured were taken to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital, where doctors later pronounced one person dead.  

Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Salauddin confirmed the death and injuries. He stated that further details on the cause of the incident would be disclosed after discussions with both parties.