FM MIZANUR RAHAMAN

A spate of shootings has turned Raozan upazila in Chattogram into what residents call a “terror zone”, with two people killed in similar attacks within 48 hours.

Law enforcers say 23 people have been killed in Raozan between August 5, 2024 and April 26 this year, with 17 of those believed to be linked to political disputes.

More than 100 clashes and shooting incidents during the period have left over 350 people injured, many with gunshot wounds.

Most of the victims were BNP leaders or activists, according to local sources, though police have not confirmed all affiliations. Despite recovering over 100 firearms, authorities have struggled to restore control.

During the Awami League government’s tenure, many BNP leaders and activists could not enter the upazila. After the July 2024 uprising that led to the fall of AL, BNP figures returned, often splitting into rival factions.

Supporters of BNP lawmaker from Chattogram-6 Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury and former North District convener Golam Akbar Khondaker have since clashed repeatedly, each blaming the other.

Police said Nasir Uddin, known as “Madhu Nasir”, was shot in Kadalpur union Ward 6 on Sunday night and later died in the hospital. Officers recovered three empty cartridges from the scene. He was accused in six cases, including murder.

Two days earlier, on April 24, Kawsaruzzaman, described by locals as a BNP supporter, was shot dead near his home by unidentified attackers.

Police say the motive in both killings remains unclear.

Raozan Police Station OC Sazedul Islam said investigators are examining whether the incidents stem from political rivalry or other disputes.

“Attacks have been reported in several areas, often carried out by assailants arriving on motorcycles or auto-rickshaws who open fire and flee,” he added.

A senior district police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the name Raihanul Alam has repeatedly surfaced in connection with the violence. He is believed to lead an armed group based in the hills. Another group, led by a figure known as “Dakat Alam”, is also active.

Both groups are allegedly involved in extortion, timber smuggling and control of sand quarries, the official said, adding that fear often keeps victims and witnesses from filing complaints.

Raozan BNP Member Secretary Firoz Ahmed claimed many suspects were once close to former Awami League MP Fazle Karim Chowdhury but now identify as BNP members. He added that many of those killed had been involved in BNP politics.

He said MP Gias Uddin has written to the home ministry seeking a permanent Rab camp in Raozan. The MP could not be reached for comment as he is abroad.

Chattogram Superintendent of Police Nazir Ahmed Khan said the violence stems from disputes over local dominance, sand quarry control, soil extraction, and extortion from transport and business establishments.

“Raozan is a hilly area. Offenders often retreat into the hills, making arrests difficult,” he said, adding that operations are ongoing and police do not consider the political affiliations of those responsible.

A Kadalpur resident, requesting anonymity, said armed groups move openly with firearms. “Everyone knows who they are, but no one speaks out for fear of attack. Despite the violence, authorities are still talking about drives instead of launching coordinated action,” he said.