A joint security operation is underway to rescue five Chittagong University (CU) students who were abducted during a trip to Khagrachari last week.

They raided Surendra Karbaripara and Purna Karbaripara in the remote Bhaibonchhara area, near the district headquarters, on Monday morning, and discovered a suspected hideout belonging to the hill-based armed group, United People's Democratic Front (UPDF - Prosit faction).

During the raid, a large cache of materials reportedly used by the group was recovered, including laptops, cameras, walkie-talkies, military uniforms, and mobile phones.

The operation follows the abduction of six people—including five CU students—from the Giriful area of Khagrachari on Wednesday (April 16). A coordinated search mission has been ongoing since then, but the students remain missing as of Monday evening.

Security forces have expanded their operations across the surrounding hill tracts to locate the students and ensure their safe return. 

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked concern among the university community and rights groups, urging swift government action. 

BDST: 1810 HRS, April 21, 2025
SMS