CHT Unrest: Touhid unaware of any 3rd-party involvement

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said that he is unaware of any third party inciting unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). 

He made this comment during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday (September 21), on Bangladesh's participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

When asked by journalists about the ongoing unrest in the CHT and rumours circulating on social media regarding possible foreign involvement in destabilising Bangladesh, particularly following political commentary from the student movement and political parties after August 5, Touhid Hossain said, "We view this as an internal issue, and we are working to resolve it. Today, three advisers have travelled to the region to engage in dialogue and foster peace, ensuring the conflict doesn't escalate."

He further mentioned that there have been disturbances affecting law and order, with Section 144 imposed the previous day. "We are actively trying to resolve the issue, and I am hopeful that we will succeed," he added.

Touhid emphasised that those injured or killed in the conflict are "our people," and that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against anyone found involved, in accordance with the law. "The government is committed to resolving this unilaterally," he affirmed.

When asked directly if any external forces were fueling the unrest, the Foreign Adviser concluded, "I cannot confirm that, as I do not have any information about third-party involvement."