Attack on Bangladesh Air Force Base in Cox’s Bazar: One Dead, Several Injured Over Airport Expansion Dispute
Bangladesh Air Force Base Attack in Cox’s Bazar Leaves One Dead Amid Airport Expansion Dispute
In a shocking development on Monday, violence erupted at a Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox’s Bazar, leading to the death of one individual and leaving several others injured. The attack, attributed to a group of miscreants, has raised concerns about escalating tensions between local residents and authorities. While the Bangladesh Air Force has confirmed the incident and taken action, the underlying cause appears to be a dispute over an airport expansion project that requires the relocation of nearby communities.
Assault on Bangladesh Air Force Base Leaves One Dead Others Wounded – Reports
The incident at the military site in the town of Cox’s Bazar is being investigated by authorities, after clashes allegedly involving people from the enighbouring Samiti Para region. pic.twitter.com/LUv3X7Enmz
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) February 24, 2025
Details of the Attack
According to reports from local media outlets, the violent confrontation occurred in the vicinity of the Air Force base located in Samitipara, a neighborhood near the Cox’s Bazar Airport. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh confirmed that the attack was carried out by a group of unidentified miscreants. The notification from the ISPR, signed by Assistant Director Ayesha Siddiqua, mentioned that the Bangladesh Air Force was actively taking necessary actions to address the situation.
While details of the confrontation remain unclear, Purported videos of the violence surfaced on social media, showing chaotic scenes from the incident. These videos suggest that the attackers were likely local residents who were protesting the forced relocation due to the airport expansion project.
The Victim: Shihab Kabir Nahid
The violence resulted in the death of Shihab Kabir Nahid, a 25-year-old local resident from Samitipara. Nahid was reportedly brought dead to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Sabuktagin Mahmud Shohel, the Resident Medical Officer at the hospital, confirmed that the victim had suffered deep injuries at the back of his head. The exact cause of death will be determined after an autopsy, Shohel added.
In an official statement, Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salahuddin confirmed that the violence had resulted in one death and several injuries. He assured the public that an investigation would be conducted to understand the root cause of the incident, with discussions planned with both parties involved.
“We are looking into the cause of this unfortunate incident, and necessary actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” Salahuddin said.
The Tension Over Airport Expansion
The attack is believed to be a direct consequence of local opposition to the airport expansion project in Cox’s Bazar, which has been in the works for some time. The project requires relocating several families living near the airport, leading to significant unrest among the affected residents. Locals, including Nahid, reportedly feel that their livelihoods and homes are at risk due to the project.
The Bangladesh government has not publicly commented on the specific motivations of the attackers, but it is widely believed that the tension over the relocation process contributed to the violence. The expansion of Cox’s Bazar Airport is seen as part of a broader plan to boost tourism and economic activity in the region, but local opposition to the project has been growing.
Government’s Response
The violence in Cox’s Bazar comes just hours after Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, addressed the media in a pre-dawn press conference. He reiterated the interim government’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the country.
Chowdhury stressed that law enforcement agencies would take swift action against anyone involved in destabilizing the country. He specifically mentioned the “cohorts” of the ousted Awami League regime, led by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the political climate. His remarks also included a vow to prevent any form of terrorism and crime, promising that law enforcement would strengthen patrols throughout the country.
“We will not allow any individuals or groups to disrupt the peace and security of our country,” Chowdhury declared during his press conference.
Growing Unrest in Bangladesh
The incident at Cox’s Bazar is part of a growing trend of unrest in Bangladesh, as tensions rise over development projects and political instability. Local protests against government-backed projects are becoming increasingly common, as people demand fair compensation and transparency in decision-making processes. These protests are often compounded by political dynamics and growing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of local affairs.
As the investigation into the Cox’s Bazar Air Force base attack continues, many are questioning the effectiveness of the government’s responses to local protests and whether more attention should be paid to resolving the grievances of the affected communities.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead?
With one person dead and several others injured, the Cox’s Bazar Air Force base attack underscores the deepening divide between the local population and government authorities over controversial development projects. As the investigation into the incident progresses, the government faces mounting pressure to address the growing unrest in Bangladesh and ensure that the people’s concerns are heard.
Whether the Bangladesh Air Force can bring stability to the region and prevent further violence will depend on the government’s ability to navigate these complex tensions and find solutions that prioritize both development and the welfare of local residents.