Coordinated attacks in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts left Indigenous villages in flames, families displaced, and fears of further violence rising.
⚠️ Warning: This news article includes image and video content related to violence and death, which may be disturbing to viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Khagrachari, Bangladesh — September 28, 2025
Waves of violence swept across Khagrachari and Guimara between September 25–28, leaving at least five confirmed dead, scores injured, and Indigenous communities displaced. HRCBM observers, present in Khagrachari in the immediate aftermath of the violence, documented evidence of widespread arson, looting, and indiscriminate firing. While not present during the attacks themselves, our team held discussions with Indigenous community members and relatives of victims, and reviewed testimonies provided by eyewitnesses. These accounts, together with photographic and video material shared by the community, form the basis of HRCBM’s reporting and are preserved for independent verification.
🎥 Video Evidence: Guimara Army Shooting
This footage from September 28 shows the Bangladesh Army allegedly opening indiscriminate fire on Indigenous protesters in Guimara.
Protests Sparked by Demand for Justice
The unrest did not emerge in a vacuum. On September 23, an Indigenous Marma schoolgirl was brutally gang raped in Khagrachari Sadar’s Isainala area. Outraged Indigenous students and community members staged demonstrations demanding the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. Rather than ensuring justice, security forces detained Indigenous student leader U Kyaw Marma on September 25, triggering widespread protests across Khagrachari.
Demonstrations calling for accountability intensified, setting the stage for subsequent clashes and violence.
Verification & Methodology
HRCBM observers were present in Khagrachari in the immediate aftermath of the violence. While not at the scene during the attacks, our team held discussions with Jumma and Chakma community members, relatives of victims, and local eyewitnesses. We also reviewed photographic and video files shared by community members. Where possible, accounts were cross-checked with more than one independent source. Material described as “verified” indicates corroboration by multiple testimonies or visual evidence; material described as “reported” is based on single eyewitness accounts and remains under verification.
Escalation and Timeline of Events
The protests converged with a hartal (strike) call on the night of September 25. By September 27, settlers armed with sticks and stones clashed near the Khagrachari Sadar upazila office. Authorities responded by imposing Section 144, banning public gatherings, but violence escalated regardless.
Eyewitnesses report that on September 27, security forces stood by as settlers vandalized Indigenous homes in Mahajan Para and attempted to storm a Buddhist vihara. Several Indigenous villagers were hacked with sharp weapons; three remain hospitalized in critical condition.
On September 28, protests by Indigenous youth calling for justice turned deadly. Security forces opened fire in Guimara, killing three and injuring many more. Settlers torched over 60 shops and 15 homes, looted seven businesses including the residence of a former district council chairman, and burned 13 motorcycles.
🎥 Video Testimony: An elderly Indigenous woman in Guimara states that her head was fractured after being beaten during the September 28, 2025 attack, allegedly by Bangladesh Army personnel.
Casualties and Missing Persons
HRCBM has verified the following casualties from the Khagrachari–Guimara attacks of September 27–28, 2025. These names are based on hospital records, eyewitness lists, and field documentation.
Confirmed Dead
3 deceased persons are held at Khagrachari District Hospital morgue, but families have not been allowed to view the bodies.
At least 2 others were killed instantly at the protest site; eyewitnesses report bodies were removed by settlers and soldiers.
At least 5 Indigenous victims are confirmed (3 bodies held at Khagrachari District Hospital morgue; eyewitnesses report 2 additional deaths at the protest site). Unconfirmed reports put the toll higher (up to 7). HRCBM is actively seeking independent verification and access for forensic examination.
🎥 Video Evidence: Body of an Indigenous man killed during joint attacks by the Bangladesh Army and Bengali settlers in Guimara, Khagrachari on September 28, 2025. Shared for documentation and human rights advocacy.
Wounded (Gunshot Victims, Hospitalized)
Kongjosai Marma (30, Guimara Amtoli) – gunshot wound.
Athuihpru Marma (45, Guimara) – gunshot wound.
Kejai Marma (25, Guimara) – gunshot wound.
Ang Marma (27, Boroitoli, Guimara) – gunshot wound.
Jewel Chakma (27, Pathachara) – gunshot wound.
Kongchaihla Marma (45, Guimara, referred to Chattogram) – gunshot wound.
Chingkyu Marma (25, Guimara Natun Para) – gunshot wound.
Sachingnu Marma (24, Guimara Bottola) – gunshot wound.
Angching Marma (23, Ramesu Bazar) – gunshot wound.
Bikash Tripura (23, Kumendra Karbari Para, Guimara) – gunshot wound.
Abaima Marma (70, Ugalchari, Panchari) – gunshot wound.
Additional Named Wounded / Assaulted (from attack reports)
Case (Ramsu Bazar) – injured.
Uhhlamye (Ramsu Bazar) – injured.
Melapru (Ramsu Bazar) – injured.
Ulhlapru Marma (28, Boroitoli) – injured.
Missing (Feared Abducted or Killed) Attack-details
Thwai Ching – missing.
Ching Pru – missing.
Athuihfru – missing.
Angthwai (Dewan Para) – missing.
One unidentified person, possibly detained by army camp – missing.
🎥 Video Evidence: An Indigenous man lies severely wounded in Guimara on September 28, 2025. Community members claim he sustained the injury during Bangladesh Army firing on protesters.
Eyewitness Accounts
One Indigenous survivor described the scene:
“Thousands joined the protest. Then the army opened fire. Bodies fell into the fields, and we could not retrieve them. Many fear bodies were hidden under the bridge. What shocks us most is that the attackers were familiar faces from the settler community. It was all planned and finished within two hours.
Another villager, reflecting on the tragedy, said:
“I have read about Longadu and Logang massacres. Today I witnessed the same horror. Even in 2025, we Indigenous peoples are being uprooted from our homes. Please pray for the people of Prangna.”
HRCBM’s Response
HRCBM strongly condemns these atrocities and holds both the security forces and settler groups responsible. Our observers in Khagrachari have been gathering testimonies from community members, documenting photographic and video evidence, and compiling cases for advocacy. Where possible, HRCBM will also provide legal assistance to families of the deceased, wounded, and missing, and pursue accountability through domestic and international mechanisms.
We call on:
The Government of Bangladesh to immediately halt settler violence and investigate the role of security forces.
The United Nations and international community to launch an independent fact-finding mission.
Civil society and rights defenders to demand accountability for the victims of Khagrachari.
Call to Action
We urge:
The Government of Bangladesh to immediately halt settler violence and ensure a credible investigation into the role of security forces.
The United Nations and international community to launch an independent fact-finding mission to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Civil society and human rights defenders worldwide to stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples of Khagrachari and demand accountability.
