4 arrested for setting Tripura community houses on fire in Bandarban

Four people were arrested after 17 residential houses belonging to the Tripura community were set ablaze in the Tongajjiri neighbourhood of Lama upazila, Bandarban, while residents attended Christmas prayers at a nearby church.

Following the fire, Gangang Moni Tripura, a resident, filed a case at Lama police station on Wednesday afternoon against seven identified individuals and several unidentified others.

Subsequently, police conducted raids in various areas of Lama and arrested four suspects.

The arrested individuals are Stephen Tripura, 50, Moishoi May Tripura, 48, Joating Tripura, 52, and Md Ibrahim, 65. Preparations are underway to produce them in court.

Md Enamul Haque, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Lama police station, confirmed the arrests and said police are continuing operations to apprehend the other accused.

Bandarban's Additional Superintendent of Police Hoshain Mohammad Raihan Kazemi said: “Four people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident. The operation to capture others is ongoing.”

He added that families from the Tripura community had recently settled in the area and begun residing there.

Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shahidullah Kaushar visited the scene on Thursday morning to assess the situation.

Around 1am on Wednesday, residents from 19 Tripura families in Lama and neighbouring Alikadam upazilas were attending Christmas services at the church in Tongajjiri when miscreants set fire to their homes. The attack completely destroyed 17 houses, leaving families fearful and distressed.

Gangang Moni Tripura alleged that, on November 19, Stephen Tripura and others, part of a group of armed individuals, demanded money from neighbourhood residents and issued threats of violence. A complaint was lodged with Lama police station at the time.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Adviser Supradeep Chakma condemned the arson attack and issued a stern warning, adding: “The culprits behind this heinous act will not go unpunished.”

He further alleged that the attack might have been orchestrated by a gang linked to fugitive former IGP Benazir Ahmed, citing intelligence reports.

Chakma emphasized the importance of protecting the Tripura community and pledged reconstruction support for the affected families.

The Bandarban district authorities have already initiated assistance for rebuilding the fire-damaged houses, with additional aid expected from the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs.