Law enforcement officers in Bandarban have arrested Shaikyaching Marma, a joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) district unit, following allegations of raping a young indigenous Marma woman. The suspect was taken into custody on Friday, 16 October, from Saini Resort, a commercial property he owns near the town’s Shishu Park.
The arrest was formally confirmed on Saturday, 17 October, by Mohammad Masud Parvez, Officer-in-Charge of Bandarban Sadar Police Station. Officials stated that a formal criminal case has been registered against the politician and the process of presenting him before the court is underway while preliminary investigations continue.
According to police and local sources, the victim, a resident of the Jamjam Gali area in Bandarban town, alleged that the accused had repeatedly lured her to the resort over an extended period under false promises of marriage. The systematic exploitation culminated on Friday when he brought her to the resort once more and sexually assaulted her.
The incident came to light after visitors at the adjacent public park and passers-by heard desperate cries for help emanating from within the resort. As a crowd gathered outside the entrance, local residents alerted both the civil administration and members of the press. Police units arrived shortly afterwards, rescued the victim, and detained the suspect at the scene.
Beyond the immediate criminal charges, the operation has drawn scrutiny towards the establishment’s operations and compliance. Local residents, including a resident named Nurul Alam, claimed the resort was constructed illegally by razing natural hillsides without obtaining requisite statutory approvals or environmental clearances. Community members further alleged that political influence was leveraged to construct the venue, which they claim has served as a locus for unauthorized activities.
Hillside cutting and land development in ecologically sensitive regions like the Chittagong Hill Tracts remain subject to strict regulatory oversight under national environmental statutes. Local authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the planning permissions or environmental compliance status of the property.
Police administration officials emphasised that the ongoing investigation will focus on gathering forensic evidence, conducting medical examinations, and recording witness statements. Legal proceedings against the political figure will proceed strictly in accordance with statutory frameworks, ensuring equal application of the law while protecting the safety and rights of the complainant.
