Recent developments in the hill tracts have raised concerns. The already volatile border area has become even more tumultuous following three bank robberies within hours. Most concerning is the suspicion that these crimes may have been committed by terrorist groups.

An English daily reported that three bold bank robberies within 16 hours in Bandarban, along with the kidnapping of Sonali Bank's Ruma branch manager, have alarmed the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Authorities suspect the involvement of the insurgent group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).

The first robbery occurred at Sonali Bank's Ruma branch around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, followed by the second and third robberies at Sonali Bank's and Krishi Bank's Thanchi branches around noon on Wednesday. Sonali Bank's Ruma branch Manager Nizam Uddin was still missing even 24 hours after the kidnapping, at the time of writing this piece.

KNF is emerging as a notorious separatist force allegedly receiving support from both India and Myanmar. Moreover, last year it was revealed that this organization, predominantly of Bom ethnicity and Christian faith, trained a jihadist group called Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, presumably for financial gain.

The government and army have repeatedly stated their efforts to suppress the group, and several clashes have occurred where the armed forces personnel, among others, have died, but the situation is worsening.

It is alleged that the government and army might have inadvertently helped form and nurture KNF, led by a former Dhaka University student, to dismantle other hill tract groups. The army's actions against local ethnic populations have also been questioned repeatedly. Recently, it appears the army is more focused on constructing lavish resorts for commercial purposes. The high court has even ruled to halt hill encroachment and resort construction that could harm the delicate environment of the area and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.

Regrettably, the regime's foreign policy seems to be overly accommodating to India, and there is a preference for the army to engage in commercial activities rather than safeguard the frontier. The situation may become even more dire.

The Boxer: The author is one of the indefatigable working-class Bangladeshis who have been trying to change the fate of the nation but were betrayed by the ruling elites and autocrats. The name is inspired by a character in George Orwell's 1945 novel Animal Farm.