The Global Association for Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (GAIPCHT) has appealed to the EU Ambassador in Dhaka to intervene following extensive military operations by Bangladesh Army personnel across 68 villages and 10 sub-districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) since 19 June. According to the GAIPCHT, these operations are part of the strategy of Dr. Mohammad Yunus’s Interim Government to support Rohingya armed groups.
The Rohingya armed groups have reportedly intensified recruitment efforts, employing religious rhetoric to mobilise refugees to fight against the Arakan Army. These groups are primarily active in the CHT, particularly within the Bandarban district, which borders Myanmar’s Arakan province.
“Through these military operations, the Bangladesh Army is attempting to create an insurgency-like situation in the CHT region solely to assist the Rohingya armed groups in fighting the Arakan Army. Ultimately, it is the indigenous peoples of the CHT who are being victimised,” stated Mr. Sanchay Chakma of the GAIPCHT.
During these operations, Bangladesh Army personnel have reportedly arrested at least 23 indigenous individuals. Two primary schools—North B Block Government Primary School in Baghaichari Upazila, Rangamati District, and a UNICEF School in Jagannath Para, Khagrachhari District—were occupied by army personnel, thereby denying indigenous children their right to education.
Allegations of sexual harassment have also emerged. On 27 June 2025, at approximately 4 a.m., Bangladesh Army personnel raided the home of a 58-year-old widow, Mrs. Chusei Marma, in Sainguli Para, Guimara, Khagrachhari. During the raid, her 14-year-old granddaughter, Ms. Kayu Marma, was reportedly tied with rope and interrogated.
The officers leading these military operations included Lt. Colonel Md. Masud Rana (Baghaichhari Zone), Lt. Colonel Mashiur Rahman (17th East Bengal Regiment), Lt. Colonel Zunaid Hossain (60th East Bengal Regiment, Rangamati Sadar), Major Raihan (Dighilana Zone), and Major Arsin Sumon (Khagrachhari Zone).
The GAIPCHT has called on EU diplomats to send a fact-finding delegation to the CHT to hear directly from victims of gross human rights violations. The Association has further urged Dr. Muhammad Yunus to immediately end cordon-and-search operations, establish accountability for human rights abuses, and ensure that the indigenous peoples of the CHT are not subjected to further victimisation due to the government’s support for Rohingya armed groups.
