Residents of the Chittagong Hill Tracts remain trapped under the control of the separatist armed group United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), which has been accused of widespread extortion, abductions, and deadly clashes over the years. Law enforcement sources say the group has extorted around Tk 3,500 crore in the past year alone, while at least 332 people have been abducted for ransom over the last 16 years.
During this time, UPDF militants have clashed with security forces 26 times, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and injuries to 21, including 14 army personnel. Internal feuds within the group have also sparked 96 gun battles, killing 28 members. In addition, inter-factional conflicts have been recorded 89 times, leaving 124 people dead and 42 injured. The most recent incident occurred last Sunday in Guimara, Khagrachhari, when three people were shot dead, and 20 others, including an army officer, were injured.
According to intelligence reports, the UPDF has around 1,500 members, of whom 400 to 500 are armed fighters. These armed cadres, trained in handling heavy weapons at camps across the border in India, have divided the hill districts into zones where they extort money and carry out illegal activities. Victims include not only locals but also traders, contractors, transport owners, and those engaged in development projects. Non-payment often results in abduction and ransom demands.
Figures show that in the last year alone, the group collected Tk 351 crore in extortion from Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban districts. This included Tk 75.34 crore from ordinary residents, Tk 18.5 crore from businesses, Tk 43.64 crore from agriculture, Tk 12.27 crore from the transport sector, Tk 123.61 crore from contractors, Tk 73.79 crore from timber and bamboo traders, and Tk 4.47 crore through ransom payments. Rangamati accounted for the highest share, with Tk 244.7 crore, followed by Tk 86.22 crore in Khagrachhari and Tk 20.7 crore in Bandarban.
The UPDF’s military wing operates under various unit names, such as Special or Fuyait Company, Phantom-Highlands-Dragons Company, Ranger-Jaguar Company, and Pioneer Company. Their armed activities stretch from Dighinala to Sajek, Mahalchhari to Kaukhali, Lakshichhari to Ramgarh, and Khagrachhari to Matiranga, using weapons like M-16s, AK-48s, G-3 rifles, LMGs, and SMGs.
Since its formation in December 1998, after opposing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, the UPDF has consistently been accused of obstructing peace efforts in the region. While the group claims to fight for the rights of indigenous communities, its activities—extortion, kidnappings, disappearances, and armed violence—have turned it into a source of constant fear for local residents.
Amid recent political changes in the country, the group is reported to have become increasingly aggressive, reigniting conflicts and expanding its criminal activities. Locals and security officials alike are now calling for strong operations to curb the group’s influence and restore peace to the hill districts.
