3 UPDF men held in Army operation; firearm seized

Bangladesh Army has arrested three members of the regional armed group United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-main) along with a firearm during a special operation in Ramgarh upazila of Khagrachhari district on Saturday afternoon.

The arrested were identified as Ronel Chakma alias Montu Chakma, a resident of Sindhukchhari area under Guimara upazila, Raju Marma alias Saching, 18, hails from Joutha Khamar area of Ramgarh upazila and another unidentified UPDF collector.

Following intelligence information, officials from Bangladesh Army’s Sindhukchhari Zone’s Jalia Para Army Camp conducted an operation around 12:00 PM in the Budongchhara area under Patachhara union.

During the operation, armed UPDF members opened fire targeting Army personnel, prompting retaliation. During the exchange of fire, a UPDF member identified as Swithoi Marma, 35, was shot in the right shoulder.

He was initially taken to Ramgarh Upazila Health Complex for first aid and later shifted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for advanced treatment.

Law enforcement sources said an AK-22 rifle, five rounds of ammunition, one magazine, four mobile phones and a walkie-talkie were recovered from the scene.

Ramgarh Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Md Nazir Alam confirmed the incident, saying that a case under relevant laws is being processed against the arrested individuals.

KS/AM