In a daring escalation of violence, armed assailants, believed to be members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Thanchi upazila, Bandarban, following a similar incident at a Sonali Bank branch in Ruma upazila.

On Tuesday night around 9:00 pm, a group of 70-80 armed men surrounded the vicinity of Ruma Upazila Parishad, overpowering the security personnel at Sonali Bank, resulting in vandalism and looting. The attack extended to abducting the bank manager.

The following day, Thanchi Bazar witnessed a parallel assault around 12:30 pm. The attackers stormed both Sonali Bank and the adjacent Krishi Bank, taking hostages and ransacking the establishments. The raid culminated in the theft of several individuals' mobile phones and the discharge of blank rounds, causing widespread alarm.

Hla Swee Twai, manager of Krishi Bank's Thanchi branch, recounted the terrifying moments when the assailants corralled employees and customers, casting doubt on the security of the bank's assets.

Abdul Karim, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) in Bandarban, confirmed the brazen attacks on the banks, highlighting the seizure of cash and the hostage situation involving bank officials.

The sequence of events began with creating chaos in Thanchi Sadar market, where the armed group fired shots and commandeered mobile phones, setting the stage for the bank heists. The total monetary loss remains undisclosed.

In the wake of these incidents, banking operations in Bandarban have been curtailed, with ATM services suspended and enhanced security protocols implemented. Thanchi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Mamun confirmed the robberies but could not provide details on the stolen sums.

Local law enforcement, including Jasim Uddin, Officer-in-charge of Thanchi police station, and Saikat Shahin, Superintendent of Bandarban Police, point to KNF's involvement in these orchestrated attacks.

Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin communicated ongoing efforts to recover the abducted bank manager and restore peace, while Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, having assessed the situation firsthand at the Sonali Bank branch in Ruma, vowed to take decisive measures against the perpetrators.