Take A Hard Look Within: MEA Strikes Back As Dhaka Points Finger At India In Chittagong Violence

The

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday firmly rejected Bangladesh’s attempt to implicate India in the recent violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We categorically reject these false and baseless allegations. The interim government, which is unable to maintain law & order in Bangladesh, has routinely sought to shift the blame elsewhere. It would do well to introspect and conduct serious investigations into the action of local extremists committing violence, arson and land grab against the minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Pakistan must be held accountable for its horrific human rights violations."

The comments came after Bangladesh Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed that unrest in Khagrachhari district on September 29 was being driven by “external influences, including India or fascist elements." "This is being orchestrated with the backing of external influences, including India or fascist elements. We are taking comprehensive measures to ensure no one can incite incidents. Our adviser for the Chittagong Hill Tracts is on site, monitoring the situation and coordinating with law enforcement and local leaders," Chowdhury had said.The unrest erupted after tribal communities protested the alleged gang rape of an indigenous schoolgirl. Clashes later broke out between the indigenous tribes and Bengali settlers, leaving at least three dead and dozens injured, including army and police personnel.Chowdhury also tied the violence to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, claiming some groups were attempting to disrupt the festival and prevent it from being enjoyed “joyfully and in a religious spirit."Khagrachhari, part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, has a long history of ethnic tensions between tribal groups like the Chakma and Marma, and Bengali settlers.The unrest presents a major challenge for Yunus, who is responsible for guiding Bangladesh’s 170 million citizens to elections in February, the first since a mass uprising toppled the government in 2024.