On Monday, a violent altercation at the Bangladesh Air Force base in Cox’s Bazar resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to several others. The incident began when soldiers stopped a motorcyclist for not wearing a helmet and brought him inside the base for questioning. In response, approximately 200 residents from the nearby Samitipara area approached the base, leading to a clash involving stone-throwing. Soldiers fired blank rounds to disperse the crowd. The military reported injuries among their personnel and blamed “miscreants” for the attack.
The deceased has been identified by family members as 25-year-old Shihab Kabir Nahid from Samitipara. Medical officials at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital confirmed that he was “brought dead” to the facility, with deep injuries observed on the back of his head. An autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death.
This incident has intensified existing tensions surrounding the expansion of Cox’s Bazar Airport. The project, aimed at upgrading the airport to international standards, has faced opposition from local residents due to the required relocation of communities. In January 2025, climate refugees residing in the area staged protests demanding the cancellation of eviction plans linked to the airport’s expansion. Demonstrators blocked roads near the deputy commissioner’s office and the airport, expressing their dissatisfaction with the proposed displacement.
The Bangladesh government has ambitious plans to transform Cox’s Bazar into a global tourist hub. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the expansion work of the airport’s runway, emphasizing the project’s significance in boosting tourism and positioning the region as a key refueling stop for international flights. The expansion includes extending the runway from its current length to 10,700 feet by reclaiming land from the sea.
However, the development has not been without controversy. In August 2020, the government reissued a tender for the airport’s runway expansion after evidence of fraud was found against a previously selected Chinese contractor. This decision came after concerns were raised about the contractor’s credibility and the transparency of the selection process.
The recent clash at the air force base underscores the escalating tensions between development initiatives and the rights of local communities. As the government pushes forward with its plans to enhance infrastructure and tourism potential, it faces the challenge of addressing the grievances of residents who are directly impacted by these projects. Balancing national development goals with the welfare of local populations remains a critical issue in the region.
