UPDF Leader Gunned Down in Khagrachhari Attack

A local leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (Democratic) has been shot dead in a violent attack in Khagrachhari’s Panchhari upazila, prompting renewed concern over political tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

The victim, identified as Nitidatta Chakma, who served as the upazila coordinator of the UPDF (Democratic), was killed in the early hours of Friday morning. The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in the Sutokorma Para area under Panchhari Sadar Union, according to local authorities.

Attack in the morning hours

Police stated that unidentified assailants opened fire on Nitidatta Chakma in the residential hill settlement area. Locals reported hearing gunshots shortly after sunrise, following which panic spread in the surrounding community.

Officers from Panchhari Police Station quickly arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the shooting. The injured leader was rescued and taken to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, where doctors later confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries before arrival.

Incident overview

Political accusations and denial

Following the killing, the UPDF (Democratic) alleged that the attack was carried out by members of the faction led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, accusing them of internal political violence.

However, these allegations were firmly rejected by representatives of the rival UPDF faction. Speaking to local media, spokesperson Angya Marma denied any involvement, stating that the incident was not connected to their organisation.

He said the killing may have resulted from internal disputes within the breakaway group, insisting that the UPDF in its original form had no role in the attack.

Police response and investigation

Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Panchhari Police Station, Ferdous Wahid, said law enforcement responded promptly after reports of gunfire in the Sutokorma Para area. He added that police had recovered the victim and arranged for his transfer to hospital.

Separately, Officer-in-Charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, Kai Kislu, confirmed that the body of Nitidatta Chakma was being kept at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital morgue. He further stated that the victim had already died by the time he was brought in.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the killing, although no arrests had been reported at the time of writing. Security patrols have been increased in the area in response to rising tensions.

Background of ongoing factional tensions

The incident comes amid long-standing political divisions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where rival factions of regional political groups have frequently accused each other of violence and intimidation.

The UPDF, which itself has experienced internal splits over the years, has often been at odds with competing groups in the region, leading to intermittent clashes and targeted attacks.

Situation remains tense

Residents of Panchhari reported heightened anxiety following the shooting, with local communities calling for increased security presence to prevent further escalation.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to examine possible political motivations as well as internal factional disputes behind the killing. The situation remains fluid, with security forces maintaining vigilance in the area.