An activist belonging to the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Prasit) was fatally shot by unidentified armed assailants in the Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati district. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 9 May 2026, within the Shuknochhara area of Ward No. 4 under Sajek Union.
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Incident Overview
The deceased has been identified as Hegera Chakma, 50, a resident of the Retkaba area in Sajek Union. Local sources indicate that although he was originally from Retkaba, he had been residing in the Shuknochhara area for an extended period. He was known to be an active member of the UPDF (Prasit group).
The attack reportedly took place at dawn while Mr Chakma was departing for organisational duties. A group of armed individuals intercepted him and opened fire, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Official Statements and Reactions
Dayadhan Chakma, a member of Ward No. 4 of Sajek Union Parishad, confirmed the fatality. He noted that the location of the incident—Shuknochhara—sits on the border between Dighinala and Sajek Union, a region where both the UPDF (Prasit) and the UPDF (Democratic) factions are known to operate.
Aungya Marma, a spokesperson for the UPDF, condemned the killing, describing it as a “planned assassination” of their party worker. In response to the slaying, the organisation held a protest rally at Ujo Bazar in Sajek, where they announced a half-day road blockade scheduled for Monday, 11 May. The blockade is expected to affect the Dighinala–Baghaichhari–Sajek road.
Tofazzal Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sajek Police Station, confirmed receiving reports of the shooting. He stated that a police team had been dispatched to the remote location to recover the body and gather further evidence.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
| Victim | Hegera Chakma (50) |
| Affiliation | UPDF (Prasit Group) |
| Date of Incident | Saturday, 9 May 2026 |
| Location | Shuknochhara, Ward 4, Sajek Union, Rangamati |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds |
| Assailants | Unidentified armed group |
| Scheduled Protest | Half-day road blockade (11 May) |
| Police Jurisdiction | Sajek Police Station |
Regional Context
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region, comprising Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban, has historically experienced intermittent violence involving various regional political factions. Baghaichhari, being the largest Upazila in Bangladesh by area, often presents logistical challenges for law enforcement due to its rugged terrain and proximity to inter-district borders. The rivalry between different factions of the UPDF frequently manifests in targeted attacks within these border zones.