A group of indigenous students in Chattogram formed a human chain yesterday demanding the immediate release of the five Chittagong University (CU) students who were allegedly abducted in Khagrachhari.

The students were reportedly returning to campus on April 16 after attending the Biju festival.

Additionally, leaders and activists of the CU unit of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, attended the protest around 12:00pm and expressed solidarity with the students.

They also demanded that the authorities take effective measures for their rescue and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to the protesters, the five CU students were abducted by members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) in the Giriful area in Khagrachhari.

Hoisang Khumi, a student of the Institute of Education and Research at CU, said, "I demand the release of my five abducted friends. None of us knows how they are doing. I urge the administration to bring them back safely."

Another student, Orion Chakma, said, "I was present at the Biju festival. After returning home, I came to know that my friends were abducted. We demand their immediate release."

CU Chhatra Dal President Alauddin Mohsin said, "Regardless of political affiliation, we all aim to build a better Bangladesh. Such acts have no place in our society, especially after so much progress."

UPDF spokesperson Angya Marma had earlier denied involvement in the incident.

Meanwhile, in Rangamati, a group of students under the banner of Rangamati Indigenous Student Society brought out a procession and held a rally demanding the same.

The students also blocked the Rangamati-Chittagong highway, temporarily halting traffic on the road.

[A correspondent from Rangamati contributed to this report]