A violent clash erupted between locals and Bangladesh Air Force personnel at an airbase in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, leaving one person dead and several others injured, including four Air Force personnel.
What happened?
The incident occurred when a local man, riding a motorcycle, was stopped at a checkpoint near the Bangladesh Air Force Base in Samitipara, a residential area adjacent to the popular beach resort town of Cox’s Bazar. The biker was reportedly crossing the base area without the necessary documents for his vehicle. After the motorcycle was taken inside the base for interrogation, a group of over 200 locals gathered and marched toward the airbase. Attempts by security personnel to prevent them from approaching resulted in a violent confrontation.
In the ensuing clash, at least four air force personnel were injured, while one local, identified as 30-year-old trader Shihab Kabir, was fatally shot. Local officials confirmed the death and said several others were also injured during the incident, which occurred around noon.
A statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) described the attackers as “miscreants” and said the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was taking necessary actions in response. The ISPR added that air force personnel had fired “blank shots” to protect key installations but denied that live bullets were used against the crowd. However, social media erupted with claims that Kabir had been killed by gunfire from the air force.
Outrage
The incident has sparked outrage, and the Bangladesh government has promised a full investigation. Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Salahuddin, stated that authorities would look into the cause of the attack, and the police officer in charge at the local hospital confirmed that Kabir was shot during the clash.
The ISPR expressed sympathy for Kabir’s family, offering condolences for the tragic loss of life, while suggesting that the violence was motivated by certain “vested quarters.” Reports suggest that the government is planning to expand the nearby airport and relocate residents, a proposal met with resistance from local communities. The violent clash occurred amid growing tensions in the country, including concerns over rising crime rates and political instability.
The attack also came hours after Lt. Gen (retd.) M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Adviser, warned of efforts to destabilize the country by groups associated with the ousted Awami League regime. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order and vowed to intensify efforts to combat crime through an ongoing crackdown called “Operation Devil Hunt.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman stated that the military would continue maintaining law and order until the country holds an elected government. Zaman also emphasized the importance of using force only when absolutely necessary in carrying out these responsibilities.(With PTI Inputs)