Section 144 imposed in Rangamati as new JCD committee sparks series clashes

A series of clashes have been erupted in Rangamati on Monday over the newly formed Rangamati district committee of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) which prompted the local authorities to impose Section 144.

The order, signed by Additional District Magistrate Nishat Sharmin, issued in the afternoon aiming to prevent further violence.

It was known that a tense situation has been erupted shortly after new committee announced recently as deprived leaders and their supporters expressed grievances over their exclusion. 

Opposing the new committee, opposing activists armed with sticks and domestic weapons took positions in the town’s Banarupa and Kathaltali areas in the morning. The situation escalated when supporters of the new committee launched a victory procession from Rangamati Municipality premises toward the party office, where the disgruntled faction had already staged a sit-in. 

The two groups engaged in multiple rounds of chases, counter-chases, and stone-pelting, resulting in at least 10 injuries.

Military and police personnel intervened to disperse the crowds and restore order. To maintain stability and prevent large-scale violence, the administration restricted public gatherings in the Municipality, Kathaltali and Banarupa areas until further notice.

Oli Ahad, president of the newly formed committee, acknowledged the contributions of his peers, noting that after an eight-year gap, it was impossible to include everyone in a partial committee. 

He assured that those excluded would be evaluated fairly in the future, claiming the unit remains united. 

Assistant Superintendent of Police Iqbal Hossain confirmed that while the situation is currently under control, the restrictive orders remain in effect to ensure public safety.

TZ