At least one person was killed in an attack on Bangladesh's air force base in Cox's Bazar district on Monday.
The deceased was identified as Shihab Kabir, 30, who was fatally shot. He was a local trader and son of one Nadiruddin from Ward 1 of Samiti Para.
The Bangladesh Air Force opened fire on its people. Shame #Bangladesh #BdAirForce #Army @UNDP @hrw #SaveBangladesh #StepDownYunus pic.twitter.com/rXctQxSI2N
— SHAMIM M RAHMAN (@mahmudur02) February 24, 2025
The Inter-Services Public Relations, which is the PR arm of the country's armed forces, said that "some criminals" from the Samiti Para area near the air force base attacked them.
The attack happened following a dispute on Monday morning, following which local residents clashed with the Air Force personnel.
A biker was stopped by the authorities at the checkpoint as he did not have necessary documents while crossing the base. After he was taken for interrogation, more than 200 people approached the base.
The security personnel tried to stop the people but the residents began throwing stones and the confrontation led to injuries on both sides. Four Air Force personnel were injured.
Reports suggest that the death toll could rise given the severity of the injuries.
Bangladesh defence ministry stated that the air force personnel did not fire any live bullets during the altercation. The PR arm of the military admitted that blank shots were fired to protect an important installation.
Local reports suggested that the governmet is planning to expand the airport and rehabiliate the people in the locality. However, this has been opposed by the residents.
Earlier in the day Bangladesh's home affairs adviser retd Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdury said the government is committed to maintaining law and order in the country.
