Joint forces unearth ‘UPDF hideout’ during rescue operation for 5 CU students

Security forces looking for five Chittagong University students who went missing in Khagrachhari claim they have uncovered a “hideout of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF)”.

According to a media statement on Monday, the joint forces leading the rescue operation came across the hideout during a drive at Upazila’s Bhaibonchhara Union’s Purnachandra Karbaripara around 5am.

A locked house caught the attention of the army personnel in the rescue team as they broke into it with the help of the locals to conduct a search, the statement said.

During the raid, the security team found a large amount of training equipment. But no suspects were found.

According to the statement, the items found included three pairs of used clothes and 19 uniform pants, pistol bullets, a laptop, several handheld transceivers, two mobile phones, a microphone, a camera, a printer, a sewing machine, tents, nets, iron shackles, hats, food packaging, propaganda materials, and extortion receipts.

Upon receiving the information, the army's Khagrachhari Region Commander Brigadier General Sharif Md Aman Hasan visited the scene.

On Wednesday, five university students were abducted from Giriful in the district Sadar on their way to Chattogram from Khagrachhari, returning from the Biju Festival.

Nipon Tripura, president of the JSS-backed Pahari Chhatra Parishad, has alleged the UPDF for the abduction.

However, UPDF district organiser Angya Marma has denied the allegations.

Joint forces launched rescue operations in different areas, including Madhupur, Pankhaiya Para, Chabai Sarak and Noapara in the district since early Friday morning, said Md Arefin Jewel, superintendent of Khagrachhari police.

During their patrols in these localities, the joint forces questioned suspicious people, he said earlier.

Monday’s statement said, “Every inch of land will be searched if necessary to rescue the abductees.”

Arefin said, “Our operation to rescue the five students of Chittagong University will continue. Checkposts have also been set up on various roads. Security has been heightened.”