At least three people were killed in a clash between law enforcers and Jumma Chhatra Janata in Khagrachhari's Guimara upazila this evening, during a protest over the rape of a schoolgirl.
Ahsan Habib Palash, deputy inspector general of Chattogram Range Police, confirmed the development to reporter.
He said the bodies have been kept at Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
A tense situation is prevailing in Khagrachhari as an indefinite road blockade, enforced by Jumma Chhatra Janata, entered its third day today.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the incident in Guimara.
It said that three people were killed in an attack by miscreants and 13 army personnel, including a major, as well as three policemen, including the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, and several others were injured.
In the statement, the ministry assured that those involved in the incident would be brought under the law following a prompt investigation, and that no offenders would be spared.
The ministry urged all concerned to remain calm and exercise patience.
Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Mohammed Saber also confirmed the deaths. "Three persons were brought dead at the Sadar hospital," he said, adding that the bodies will be sent for autopsy.
He added that four injured persons were also brought to the hospital.
No long-haul or local vehicles were moving since this morning, while additional security has been deployed across the town. Shops and businesses in and around the area remained closed.
In Shapla Chattar, the heart of Khagrachhari town, neither vehicles nor crowds were visible in the morning. Security personnel were questioning and checking the few passersby.
The rape incident reportedly took place on September 23, when a class eight student was returning home from private tuition around 9:00pm.
The victim's father filed a case the following day with Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station against three unidentified men.
So far, police have arrested one suspect, Shoyon Shil, who was placed on a six-day remand by a court.
FP/MI
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