Three members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Main) were detained during a Bangladesh Army operation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts on Saturday, while an assault rifle and ammunition were also recovered, according to a military statement.
The operation was carried out around noon in the Budongchhara area under Guimara Region following intelligence reports about the movement of armed members of the group.
According to the statement, an army patrol took position in the area before spotting several armed individuals travelling on two motorcycles. Soldiers signaled them to stop, but the suspects allegedly opened fire at the troops instead.
Army personnel returned fire, leaving one alleged UPDF member, identified as Sathowai Marma, 32, injured by gunfire. Two others, Ronel Chakma, 28, and Searching Marma, also known as Raju, 22, were detained at the scene.
Security forces later recovered an AK-22 rifle with a magazine, six rounds of live ammunition, one spent cartridge case and other materials allegedly linked to extortion activities.
The injured man was first taken to Ramgarh Upazila Health Complex for treatment before being transferred under police custody to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced care. Authorities said he is currently out of danger.
In its statement, the Bangladesh Army said operations against armed groups and extortion activities in the hill tracts would continue in an effort to maintain stability and security in the region.
