Three advisers to the interim government, who visited troubled hill districts today, warned that the wrongdoers involved in recent violence there would be brought to justice.
They assured the local people that a high-level committee would be formed to investigate all incidents that took place there in the past three days.
Home adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, adviser for local government, rural development and cooperatives AF Hassan Ariff and adviser for CHT affairs Supradip Chakma visited Rangamati and Khagrachhari on Saturday.
During their visit, they discussed the law and order situation with local people and officials concerned days after four people were killed in clashes in the region.
The advisers met local political leaders, elites, business/trade body representatives, media representatives, law enforcement agencies and district council representatives at Rangamati and Khagrachhari District headquarters and listened to the concerns expressed by the participants at the sudden deterioration of the situation following the murder of a person in mob beating at Khagrachhari on September 18 last.
Expressing their deepest sympathies for those who lost their lives, they all stressed the importance of maintaining harmony, empathy, and peaceful coexistence among all communities, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
It was pointed out that the onus of responsibility for maintaining harmony and peace in the area lies on the local leaders, who must henceforth perform their due role.
The advisers also pointed out that vested groups were trying to destabilise the situation with a view to putting the interim government in an awkward situation. They asked everyone to remain vigilant.
Law enforcement agencies working in the area have been asked to show maximum restraint, said the chief adviser’s press wing.
They assured that no attacks would be tolerated in the places of religious worship.
The advisers said no one should take the law into their own hands irrespective of the situation and warned of stern actions in the event of anyone violating the instruction.
They said treatment of all injured persons would be ensured, and if necessary, military hospitals would be made available for the treatment of injured people.
Committees comprising people from all communities should be formed at the village/union/upazila level to maintain harmony and peace, the advisers insisted.
Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, special assistant to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, was also present.
