The hidden land within Bangladesh: Jungle Salimpur

Chittagong’s Jungle Salimpur: Criminal Haven Exposed

Jungle Salimpur, located in Sitakunda Upazila of Chittagong, has long been described as a “state within a state” and a “safe haven for criminals.” Its rugged, hilly terrain makes law enforcement operations particularly challenging, allowing criminal elements to establish de facto control over the area.

On Tuesday, the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, confirmed that Jungle Salimpur has effectively become a hub for armed groups and criminal activity. The spotlight on this region intensified following a recent operation on 19 January, when a RAB team sought to apprehend several armed suspects. The mission, however, ended in tragedy when the officers themselves came under attack.

One RAB officer, Motaleb Hossain Bhuiya, serving as Deputy Assistant Director of RAB-7, was killed, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving hospital treatment. In response, both RAB and local police have announced preparations for a vigorous crackdown to bring the attackers to justice, though officials caution that the operation’s success remains uncertain due to the area’s history and entrenched criminal networks.

Details of the Attack

CCTV footage of the assault reveals at least 400–500 assailants pursuing RAB vehicles with sticks, breaking glass, and openly firing at officers. The attackers also seized firearms and used mosque loudspeakers to broadcast announcements during the ambush. Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman, commanding officer of RAB-7, confirmed that the operation was targeting members of the notorious Yasin Group and their affiliates.

A Criminal Enclave in Plain Sight

Despite its foreboding reputation, Jungle Salimpur is less than 20 minutes from Chittagong city. The area, spanning approximately 3,100 acres, hosts 20–25,000 houses with an estimated population of 100,000–150,000 people, including both migrants and middle-class residents. Its narrow roads, surrounding hills, and controlled access points have made it particularly difficult for law enforcement to penetrate. Residents are often required to show local identification to enter, and criminal groups maintain checkpoints and “watch posts” to monitor outsiders.

Historically, different groups—such as the Yasin, Rokon, and Ridwan factions—have controlled various sections of Jungle Salimpur and nearby Alinagar and Nabinagar, using both physical intimidation and political leverage to consolidate power. Attempts by previous governments and law enforcement to reclaim the area have repeatedly failed, often due to the presence of vulnerable populations used as human shields.

Officials stress that a successful operation would require meticulous planning to avoid civilian casualties, but RAB-7 maintains that Jungle Salimpur’s criminal networks are not invincible. As Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman put it, “If we plan correctly and act collectively, taking control is entirely feasible. Geography makes it difficult, but not impossible.”

Jungle Salimpur today remains a stark example of how urban criminal enclaves can thrive in proximity to major cities, blending civilian life with organised criminal activity, and challenging authorities to restore law and order.