In Bangladesh, unidentified assailants shot dead three members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) on Wednesday in Khagrachhari district of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The UPDF is a regional political party primarily composed of members from the Chakma ethnic group.

According to a statement from the UPDF, the attackers arrived and opened fire on three of its activists around 10 a.m., killing them on the spot.

The victims have been identified as Sejon Chakma, Shaman Tripura, and Jayen Chakma, reported United News of Bangladesh (UNB). A local resident said the three were actively involved in organizational work for the party in Khagrachhari. “In the morning, a group of 10-15 people attacked them suddenly and fled,” the resident alleged.

Following the incident, the UPDF declared a dawn-to-dusk hartal (shutdown) for Thursday in the district.

While the UPDF advocates for an autonomous Hill Tracts through peaceful means, some members are reportedly armed and linked to violent activities.

By – Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)