Protest Rally and Gathering at Rangamati College Demanding the Release of 5 Abducted CU Students
IPNEWS Desk (Rangamati, April 22, 2025): A protest rally and mass gathering were held today at Rangamati Government College demanding the immediate and unconditional release of five students from the University of Chittagong, who were reportedly abducted by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) from the Giriful area of Khagrachari.
The demonstration was organized by the Rangamati Government College unit of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP). The assembly was presided over by Sajal Chakma, President of the PCP Rangamati College unit while General Secretary Gyan Chakma moderated the program. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Karun Jyoti Chakma, Organizational Secretary of the same unit.
In his speech, Karun Jyoti Chakma condemned UPDF for not releasing the students despite repeated calls from various sectors. He stated that the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) was becoming increasingly unstable, while security forces were harassing ordinary people under the pretext of rescue operations. He blamed UPDF for the tense situation and warned that sacrificing the nation’s bright youth to petty political rivalries would only set the community back by centuries. He called this incident a shame for the entire Jumma nation.
In a solidarity speech, PCP Rangamati College Unit Vice President Sachib Chakma said that by abducting university students, UPDF has stained the political history of the CHT, and that people would strongly reject such disgraceful politics.
Another speaker, Suchona Chakma, Organizational Secretary of Hill Women’s Federation (Rangamati Government College unit), condemned the abduction and said it had been six days since the students were taken, yet they remain missing. She highlighted the deep anxiety of the victims’ families, who had received no updates even after being summoned by UPDF. She also mentioned that those protesting against the abduction were receiving threats. Suchona demanded the immediate and safe release of the abducted students.
In his closing remarks, Sajal Chakma said there is no security left for anyone in the CHT today. He pointed out that while the region suffers under the ongoing military campaign ‘Operation Uttoron’, it is also trapped by the oppressive activities of groups opposing the CHT Peace Accord. He accused such groups of acting as agents for ruling interests. Referring to a similar incident in 2001 when three foreign nationals were abducted, he stated that UPDF has long been undermining CHT politics.
Sajal Chakma demanded the unconditional and healthy release of the five abducted students and warned of tougher protest programs if the demand is not met immediately.
