Army personnel detained United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) Vice-President Pulak Jyoti Chakma on Monday and handed him over to Rangamati police station.
According to police sources, Pulak, 45, son of Purna Laal Chakma, was detained from Ghagra area in Rangamati while participating in a human chain organised by UPDF.
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He was shown arrested by the police in a case which was filed against him in 2005 under the Arms Act.
Police say Pulak faces five cases filed with Kaukhali police station over murder, forced disappearance and extortion. Multiple arrest warrants were also issued against him.
Md Rashid, officer-in-charge of Rangamati police station, said Pulak would be handed over to Kaukhali police after interrogation.
On April 29, the army personnel from Panchhari camp in Khagrachhari detained UPDF-backed Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP) leader Jewel Chakma. He was handed over to the police the following day.
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The arrests came at a time when the indigenous peoples are demanding justice for the death of Romel Chakma, general secretary of PCP's Naniarchar Upazila unit in Rangamati. On the other hand, the Bangali settlers' groups have been campaigning for a ban on UPDF and PCJSS groups claiming that their supporters are involved in murders, abductions and extortion.
Romel, a visually impaired HSC examinee, was picked up by the army personnel of Naniarchar camp on April 5 for questioning in two arson cases on suspicion. He was handed over to the police the next morning and later admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. He died on April 19 while undergoing treatment.
Leaders of UPDF and PCP, human rights groups and different student bodies have demanded a judicial inquiry into the death of Romel and an end to harassment and torture of the indigenous peoples at the hands of security forces in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
