Hill Voice, 17 July 2025, Rangamati: Allegations have surfaced that the lands of four Jumma villagers from two adjacent villages in Gulshakali Union and Bogachotor Union under Longadu Upazila of Rangamati district are being targeted for illegal occupation by an influential Bengali settler. It is also suspected that local members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are colluding in this land grabbing attempt.
The person accused of attempting the land grabing is Md. Abdul Halim (50), a resident of the Gulshakhali settlers village. He is also reportedly the headman (mouza head) of Gulshakhali Mouza. It is known that at one time, when the Gulshakhali forest area was de-forested, this mouza (Gulshakhali) was created in that area through the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rangamati hill district.
According to local sources, on 6 July 2025, Md. Abdul Halim, accompanied by a group of 10–12 Bengali settlers, began clearing the jungle with the intent to forcibly occupy lands belonging to four Jumma villagers in the villages of Rangipara and Noapara, located in Rangipara Mouza under Gulshakali and Bogachotor Unions. When the Jumma landowners tried to prevent the clearing, Md. Abdul Halim claimed that he had leased the lands from the authority of the 37 BGB, Rajnagar Zone, for the purpose of establishing a plantation.
At that time, Abdul Halim also threatened the villagers, saying that if they obstructed the plantation, BGB personnel would arrest them and file cases against them. This left the landowners in a helpless state.
Following the incident, the affected landowners informed the nearby 37 BGB, Rajnagar Zone authority and appealed for protection of their lands. However, it has been reported that the BGB authority has yet to take any action.
Meanwhile, despite repeated objections from the villagers, Bengali settlers have continued clearing the jungle on Jummas’ land as of yesterday (16 July), according to sources from the villagers.
The affected villagers are: Gunasindu Chakma (45), S/O Bir Singh Chakma, from Noapara village, and Amiya Kanti Chakma (61), S/O Birendra Chakma, from Rangipara village-both residents of Bogachotor Union; and Riken Chakma (40), S/O Man Mohan Karbari, and Nelson Chakma (42), S/O Ranjit Chakma-both from Hajapara village under Gulshakali Union.
It has been reported that prior to the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord in 1997, the authority of 37 BGB, Rajnagar Zone, forcibly occupied parts of the lands belonging to Riken Chakma and Nelson Chakma to establish “Checkpost No.8,” and parts of the lands belonging to Gunasindu Chakma and Amiya Kanti Chakma to set up “Checkpost No.7.” Although these checkposts were later removed following the CHT Accord, the BGB authority eventually violated the terms of the Accord by puting signboards at the abandoned checkpost sites stating:
“Abandoned Camp of the Security Forces-Any form of cultivation, construction, or settlement in this area is strictly prohibited. By order of Rajnagar Zone.”
However, aside from the portion of land previously occupied for the checkposts, the owners have retained control over the remaining lands and have cultivated those for many years, planting tiger grass and fruit trees. Now, under the pretext of leasing the designated checkpost areas, settler headman Md. Abdul Halim is reportedly attempting to seize all surrounding lands, according to sources from the Jumma landowners and local residents.
It has also been learnt that the amount of lands owned in the area is as follows: Gunasindu Chakma: 1.5 acres, Amiya Kanti Chakma: 0.30 acres, Riken Chakma: 1.00 acre, Nelson Chakma: 0.60 acres.
