Armed assailants set fire to an excavator and other equipment used in the Pilak canal re-excavation project in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari district. The incident occurred on Wednesday night, and local authorities, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mishkatul Tamanna and police, inspected the site the following morning. Police confirmed that the excavator was completely destroyed by fire.

The canal re-excavation is part of the nationwide “Canal Re-excavation Program 2026,” initiated to fulfill Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledge. The Pilak canal project, costing 18 million taka, covers five kilometers, while the Teimatai canal project, costing 15.4 million taka, spans 4.1 kilometers. Earlier this month, local leaders of the regional group UPDF were accused of threatening project workers to halt operations unless extortion demands were met. The two projects had created employment for 773 low-income residents.

UPDF local organizer Durjoy Chakma denied involvement, calling the allegations false and conspiratorial. Police and administrative officials stated that legal action would be taken if formal complaints are filed.