DHAKA, Bangladesh

Ethnic tensions have escalated in the southeastern Khagrachari district of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, where clashes between Indigenous Chakma and Bengali residents have left at least four people dead and dozens injured.

Three victims from the Chakma community succumbed to their injuries between Thursday night and early Friday, according to Khagrachari's Additional District Commissioner Ferdousi Begum.

"The situation remains tense," she told Anadolu, adding that gunfire was reported during the clashes and the cause of death would be confirmed after autopsies.

To control the violence, authorities have deployed additional law enforcement and imposed Section 144, prohibiting large gatherings in the area.

Local media reported that the victims had suffered bullet wounds, with the deceased identified as Dhananjoy Chakma, 50, Rubel Tripura, 25, and Junan Chakma, 20. At least 15 others were injured and are receiving treatment.

The violence began in the Dighinala area of Khagrachari after a Bengali resident, Md Mamun, was allegedly beaten to death by members of the Chakma community on accusations of stealing a motorcycle on Wednesday.

The mob lynching triggered protests and subsequent clashes between the two communities, resulting in at least 102 shops being set ablaze.

In nearby Rangamati district, the unrest has also led to clashes, prompting authorities to impose Section 144 to restore order.