Home Affairs adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that “forces backed by neighboring countries and fascist allies” are fomenting unrest in Khagrachhari. Speaking after inaugurating construction for five police station buildings of the DMP, he said there are deliberate attempts to disrupt peaceful Durga Puja celebrations and to create unrest in the hill districts. He asserted that steps are being taken at the highest level to prevent such incidents. Jahangir said the Adviser on Chittagong Hill Tracts is on site, coordinating with local leaders, and that security forces are monitoring the situation closely. He added that some armed groups fired from hill positions and that many of these weapons are smuggled from abroad, calling for public cooperation to thwart the problem. He also noted that major religious festivities began yesterday and urged that no one exploit the period to create disorder or block roads. Most stranded tourists have already been escorted back.