Bangladesh army arrest and torture an indigenous man in Khagrachari

On 25 September 2025, at approximately 8:30 pm, Bangladesh army arrested Ukyanu Marma, who was protesting against the rape of an indigenous minor by the Muslim settlers. Bangladesh army arrested him at Madhupur Bazar, Khagrachari in front of his friends.

Ukyanu Marma was taken away by the army personnel who arrived in two vehicles from the 203 Infantry Brigade, Khagrachari. Ukyanu Marma was with his friends at a shop near Madhupur Bazar. Later, two army vehicles suddenly arrived and forcibly dragged Ukyanu Marma away without any reason. At this time, his shirt and pants were torn.

Ukyanu Marma was severely beaten while being taken to an army vehicle. He was later taken to the army cantonment and interrogated in the presence of the zone commander, Lieutenant Colonel Khademul Islam, and two high-ranking army officers.

The arrest created widespread outrage on social media. The indigenous community announced a program with an ultimatum if Ukyanu Marma was not released, and due to widespread public outrage, the army was forced to release him at around 10 pm. Ukyanu Marma is known to be the general secretary of the Khagrachari district branch of the Bangladesh Marma Students Council (BMSC).

The indigenous people demonstrated in various parts of the country, including the three hill districts, following the gang rape of an 8th grade student of Khagrachari Government Girls' High School by 3 Muslim/Bengali settlers. It is known that Ukyanu Marma was leading general students in Khagrachari at the time of the incident. Many believe that Ukyanu Marma was taken away by the army for protesting the rape.