Hill Voice, 18 February 2025, Bandarban: There are allegations of kidnapping of workers one after another in Lama and Naikhyongchari upazilas under Bandarban district. The latest allegation was made on 16 February 2025 that 26 Bengali workers were again kidnapped, many of whom are outsiders in Bandarban and their homes are said to be in Cox’s Bazar.

It has been reported from multiple local sources that a gang of robbers led by neo-Muslims is behind these kidnappings. On the other hand, a source has also said that this gang of robbers is being supported by members of the UPDF (Democratic) party in Bandarban.

The gang of robbers, led by Md. Abdullah alias Jiban Tripura and Jewel Tripura (whose Muslim name is not known), known as ‘Neo Muslims’ who converted to Islam from the Tripura community, is locally known as ‘Kala Dakat Dal’. It is learnt that this gang of robbers also has Bengali members in addition to Neo Muslims.

A source said that the number of members of this gang could be 12 to 14. They are armed with country-made weapons called ‘LG’, pistols and sharp weapons.

Md. Abdullah alias Jiban is a former student leader of the Parbatya Chattogram Chatra Parishad, a Bengali organization supported by Parbatya Chattogram Nagorik Parishad, and his home is known to be Tanki Pahar Para, Islampur, Ward No. 9, Bandarban Municipality. On the other hand, Jewel Tripura has been in jail time several times for robbery and theft.

Local sources said that for the past two years, the said gang of robbers has been secretly organizing and committing robberies and kidnappings in Lama, Alikadam, Naikhyongchari and Bandarban Sadar upazilas of Bandarban. They also commit robberies in the reserve area of Satkania from time to time.

An old man from Mariam Tripura Para in Sarai area of Lama upazila said that these crimes and misdeeds are being planned and committed in Cox’s Bazar. He mentioned that although these robberies and kidnappings have been happening for a long time, no strict action is being taken by the administration in this regard.

It is worth mentioning that on February 16, at around 1:30 am, the 26 workers from five rubber plantations were kidnapped from the remote Murungjhiri area of Phansiakhali in Lama upazila. After the kidnapping, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 12 lakh taka from the victim’s family.

A few days ago, 12 workers were kidnapped from another rubber plantation. Later, the terrorists demanded a ransom of 6 lakh taka from them.