Chittagong’s Jungle Salimpur: Criminal Stronghold
The remote area of Jungle Salimpur in Sitakunda Upazila, Chittagong, has once again drawn national attention following a brazen attack on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Locals describe the region as “a country within a country” or a “safe haven for criminals,” citing its rugged, hilly terrain which limits law enforcement operations and allows various criminal groups to operate with impunity.
RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman told reporters on Tuesday that Jungle Salimpur has effectively become a “den for criminal gangs.” On 19 January, a RAB unit launched an operation to arrest several armed criminals, only to be met with violent resistance. One RAB officer, Motaleb Hossain Bhuiya, tragically lost his life, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
According to surveillance footage, the attackers, numbering between 400 and 500, ambushed two RAB microbuses with sticks and firearms. They reportedly seized RAB weapons and fired shots openly, even using a mosque loudspeaker to announce the closure of gates. Officer Motaleb Hossain Bhuiya had been the Deputy Assistant Director of RAB-7.
Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman, commander of RAB-7, stated that the assault was orchestrated by the “Ridwan Group.” The RAB leadership affirmed their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and monitoring the situation until legal proceedings are concluded.
Jungle Salimpur lies just 15–20 minutes from central Chittagong. Its geographical and demographic characteristics are summarised in the table below:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sitakunda Upazila, Chittagong |
| Borders | Hathazari (east), Bayezid Thana (south) |
| Area | Approximately 3,100 acres |
| Number of Houses | 20,000–25,000 |
| Population | 100,000–150,000 |
| Residents | Migrants from across the country, including lower-middle-class families |
| Controlling Groups | Yasin Group, Rokon Group, Ridwan Group |
Local journalists and administrators note that criminal control has significantly impeded government projects. Although the area technically has electricity, water supply, education, and healthcare facilities, insecurity prevents effective utilisation. Political patronage, the rugged geography, and reliance on displaced populations have collectively made Jungle Salimpur a “human shield” for criminal networks.
Lieutenant Colonel Hafizur Rahman emphasised that, while operations are challenging due to the terrain, they are far from impossible. With meticulous planning, adequate forces, and coordinated support from both the government and local residents, law enforcement can restore order and re-establish control over the area.
For now, Jungle Salimpur remains a pressing security concern in Chittagong, underscoring the need for precise intelligence, strategic planning, and determined enforcement to tackle entrenched criminality.