A fierce gunfight Friday between rival tribal groups in remote southeastern Bangladesh left at least five people dead, television reports said. According to AP, the clash took place at Jurachhari in Rangamati district and appeared to be a contest for control of the area, broadcasters ATN News and Bangla Vision reported. Rangamati is 135 miles (220 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Dhaka. A nearly two-decade insurgency by the Chakma ethnic group in the hilly, forested region bordering India and Myanmar ended in 1997 with a peace deal between an insurgents and the government. However, the group later splintered and the factions have fought each other. Friday's clash killed five people, the broadcasters said. Bangla Vision said military troops were called to the area. Officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The U.N. Development program, the European Union and other donors have tried to establish peace in the region through development projects.
