Rangamati, Oct 02 (V7N) – Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, PSC, Commander of the 305th Infantry Brigade in Rangamati, has declared that the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed separatist group accused of violent activities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, will be driven out of Bangladesh. He pledged that the Rangamati Army Region will ensure their expulsion.
 
Speaking to local journalists on Wednesday night while visiting the Durga Puja mandap at Kalibari in Rangamati town, Brigadier General Haque issued a stern warning to UPDF militants. “This is the last warning. Enough is enough. We have tolerated you for too long. But I can assure you that the Rangamati Army Region will see to it that UPDF is expelled from this country,” he said.
 
The army commander accused the group of operating with the support of “neighboring elements,” urging them to leave Bangladesh if they continue their destructive activities. “These hills and this country belong to us. We must build it for our future generations. If peace and stability are preserved, we can focus on development, education, and improving the quality of life for hill residents,” he added.
 
Commenting on recent clashes in Khagrachhari, Brigadier General Haque said divisive forces are trying to create mistrust among communities. “In Rangamati, however, we have managed to remain united and keep peace despite attempts to spark conflict,” he noted.
 
The commander praised the cooperation of local residents and the administration in ensuring a festive and peaceful environment during Durga Puja celebrations. “I am very pleased that together with the Sanatan (Hindu) community, people from all walks of life are celebrating the Sharadiya festival in harmony. This is a beautiful reflection of Bangladesh’s spirit,” he said.
 
Senior army officials of the Rangamati Region, members of the Rangamati Hill District Council, local police officers, journalists, Puja committee leaders, and devotees were present during the commander’s visit.
 
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been implemented across the district for Durga Puja. Senior officials including the Rangamati Sadar Zone Commander, Deputy Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police visited mandaps in the Reserve Bazar area to exchange greetings with worshippers and review security arrangements.
 
The UPDF, formed in the late 1990s, has long been accused by authorities of armed attacks, extortion, and creating unrest in the hill tracts. Security forces have conducted multiple operations against the group in recent years, but sporadic violence has continued.
 
END/AMR/SMA/