The recurring clashes and exchanges of gunfire between rival armed groups in Sajek potentially signal a resurgence of instability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) that must not be taken lightly.
We should not be tolerating territorial rivalries erupting into open gunbattles as innocent local residents are forced to live in constant terror. This is equally true for tourism, local economies, and public safety which are repeatedly held hostage.
Such lawlessness cannot be treated as an inevitable feature of the region; bringing lasting peace, security, and the rule of law to the hills must become an immediate, non-negotiable priority.
For far too long, armed factions in the CHT have continued to operate, waging turf wars for political dominance. All the while, it has been civilian populations that have been affected.
Recent blockades, attacks on tourist convoys, and armed standoffs not only imperil local livelihoods but also directly challenge state authority. Law enforcement and security personnel stating that they struggle to access remote clash sites while communities are caught in the crossfire is simply not enough of a reason.
Peace in the CHT cannot be sustained through temporary ceasefires or passive monitoring from a distance. While political dialogue, genuine socio-economic development, and the full implementation of structural commitments remain vital for long-term reconciliation, the immediate priority must also be to ensure the safety and security of those who call the region home.
The people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts deserve safety, dignity, and economic progress, not perpetual warfare. It is time for the government to commit to the region, first by restoring peace.
