The Global Association for Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (GAIPCHT) has called on Western diplomatic missions in Dhaka to send an independent inquiry team to investigate the alleged mass killings of indigenous people in Bangladesh’s Khagrachari district.
According to GAIPCHT, on 28 September 2025, at least four tribal residents were shot dead and more than 40 others injured when Bangladesh Army personnel allegedly opened fire in the Guimara area.
The group further claimed that troops permitted settlers to set ablaze indigenous homes and businesses in the aftermath.
While Bangladeshi media reports put the death toll at three, GAIPCHT insists the number is higher.
Citing preliminary findings, the organisation alleged that 15 homes and 60 shops belonging to indigenous families were torched, while seven other shops were looted and 13 motorcycles destroyed.
The group also reported that three indigenous persons — identified as Thoi Ching, Athuifru, and Ching Pru — remain missing after being taken into custody by army personnel.
The incident comes against the backdrop of protests led by the Jumma Chatra Janata, who have been demanding justice following the alleged gang-rape of a Marma schoolgirl by settlers on 23 September in Singhinala village.
“Indigenous people were killed simply for demanding the arrest of the accused rapists,” GAIPCHT representative Sanchay Chakma said.
GAIPCHT further noted that the latest violence mirrors earlier attacks in September 2024, when four indigenous people were killed and 75 injured in Dighinala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati.
Although the Bangladesh government announced an inquiry at the time, the findings were never made public, the organisation alleged.
Calling the attacks “systematic and deliberate,” GAIPCHT urged the international community to ensure accountability and protection for the indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
