What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
A violent assault linked to a long-running land dispute left three men injured, one of them critically, on Wednesday afternoon in Khagrachari Sadar Upazila, raising urgent questions about land governance, law enforcement, and the protection of civilians in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).
According to local sources, the attack occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on 14 January at Khalpara under Headman Para of Kamalchari Union. The victims have been identified as Thwaihlayang Chowdhury (68) of Headman Para, Bimal Tripura (37) of Natunpara, and Milon Chakma (39) of Noawara.
Among them, Bimal Tripura sustained severe head injuries after being struck with a sharp weapon. He was initially admitted to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital, later transferred to Asian Specialized Hospital Limited in Chattogram, and subsequently moved to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where doctors report that his condition remains critical. The other two victims are receiving treatment at Khagrachari Sadar Hospital, according to reports.
The incident is reportedly rooted in a protracted land dispute involving Thwaihlayang Chowdhury and Abdul Bashi, son of Tajir Uddin, of Bhuiachari. Sources state that Chowdhury had been developing a mango plantation on the disputed plot for several years when Abdul Bashi began asserting ownership claims over the same land.
Following the filing of a case, officials from the Land Office attempted to carry out a court-ordered investigation. However, the process could not be completed after alleged obstruction at the site, effectively stalling the legal determination of ownership.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chowdhury returned to the plantation with two labourers—Bimal Tripura and Milon Chakma—to clear overgrowth. At the site, they were confronted by Abdul Bashi, his sons Rashid and Nasir, and several associates, who reportedly attempted to prevent them from continuing work. Eyewitness accounts describe a heated argument that quickly escalated into a coordinated assault using locally made sharp weapons. During the attack, Bimal Tripura suffered a devastating blow to the head.
As news of the assault spread, residents from nearby villages rushed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the alleged attackers had fled the area. Villagers then rescued the three injured men and transported them to hospital for emergency treatment.
Family members of the victims told reporters that no case has yet been formally registered, though they intend to file a complaint imminently. As of the time of writing, no public statement has been issued by local law enforcement regarding arrests, protective measures, or the status of the investigation.
This incident underscores a recurring pattern in the CHT, where unresolved land disputes, obstruction of official investigations, and weak enforcement of court orders have too often culminated in violence. The absence of immediate legal action following a serious assault further deepens concerns about accountability and the safety of civilians engaged in lawful livelihoods.
As Bimal Tripura continues to fight for his life, the case now stands as a defining test for local authorities: whether due process will be enforced, those responsible held to account, and whether the rule of law will prevail over intimidation and violence in one of Bangladesh’s most sensitive regions.
