A violent incident at the Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox’s Bazar on Monday led to the death of one individual, according to local media reports.
As per a notification from the country’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a group of miscreants launched an attack on the base, prompting the Bangladesh Air Force to take necessary measures in response, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The statement, signed by ISPR assistant director Ayesha Siddiqua, confirmed the situation.
Meanwhile, The Business Standard suggested that the unrest stemmed from tensions over an airport expansion project that required the displacement of local residents, which was met with resistance from the community.
Videos circulating on social media claimed that unidentified individuals had targeted the base in Samiti Par.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin confirmed to The Business Standard that one person had been killed and several others injured in the confrontation. “An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the clash, and appropriate measures will be taken,” he stated.
The victim was identified as 25-year-old Shihab Kabir Nahid from Samitipara, his family confirmed to Daily Star Bangladesh.
Dr. Sabuktagin Mahmud Shohel, resident medical officer at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, told the publication that the victim had sustained severe head injuries. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.
The violence erupted just hours after Bangladesh’s home affairs adviser, retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, reaffirmed the interim government’s resolve to uphold law and order.
Speaking at a pre-dawn press briefing in Dhaka, Chowdhury alleged that associates of the ousted Awami League government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were attempting to destabilize the country. He assured that security forces were prepared to prevent any such activities.
“We will ensure that no terrorist elements can operate freely, and we will take all necessary steps to maintain security,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies had been instructed to intensify patrolling efforts across the country.
