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Rangamati District

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This article is about the district. For the town, see Rangamati.

Rangamati District (Bengali: রাঙ্গামাটি জেলা) is a district in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Chattogram Division,[5] and the town of Rangamati serves as the headquarters of the district. By area, Rangamati is the largest district of the country.

Rangamati
রাঙ্গামাটি
District
View of the Sajek Valley
View of the Sajek Valley
Location of Rangamati District within Bangladesh
Location of Rangamati District within Bangladesh
Map
Expandable map of Rangamati District
Coordinates: 22°38′N 92°12′E / 22.633°N 92.200°E / 22.633; 92.200
Country Bangladesh
DivisionChittagong Division
CapitalRangamati
Government
 • TypeDistrict Council
 • BodyRangamati Hill District Council
 • District Council ChairmanAung Sui Pru Chowdhury
 • Deputy CommissionerMohammad Mizanur Rahman
 • Chief Executive OfficerS. M. Zakir Hossain [1]
Area
 • Total
6,116.11 km2 (2,361.44 sq mi)
 • Land4,824.63 km2 (1,862.80 sq mi)
 • Water1,291.5 km2 (498.7 sq mi)
 • Rank1 (Largest District of Bangladesh)
Elevation
[2]
17 m (56 ft)
Population
 (2022)[3]
 • Total
647,586
 • Rank62 (Among 64)
 • Density110/km2 (270/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC 6 (BST)
Postal Code
4500
Area code0351
ISO 3166 codeBD-56
HDI (2018)0.593[4]
medium · 14th of 21
Websitewww.rangamati.gov.bd
Population & Area related info taken from রাঙ্গামাটি জেলা তথ্য বাতায়নে আপনাকে স্বাগতম [Welcome to the Rangamati district portal]. Deputy Commissioner Rangamati (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 17 January 2013.

Geography

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Rangamati is located in the Chittagong Division. It is bordered by the Tripura state of India to the north, Bandarban District to the south, Mizoram State of India and Chin State of Myanmar to the east, and Khagrachari and Chittagong Districts to the west. Rangamati is the only district in Bangladesh with international borders with two countries: India and Myanmar.

The area of the district is 6116 km2 of which 1292 km2 is riverine and 4825 km2 is under forest vegetation.

History

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Rangamati was a contesting ground for the kings of Tripura and Arakan. This region was under the Mughal Empire after the Muslim invasion in 1566.[6] In 1737, Sher Mosta Khan, a tribal leader, took refuge with the Mughals. Subsequently, the Chakma settlement began along with various other settlements of varying ethnicity.[6] From 1760 to 1761, the area was leased to the East India Company.[6]

Demography

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1974 202,798—    
1981 301,753 5.84%
1991 401,388 2.89%
2001 508,182 2.39%
2011 595,979 1.61%
2022 647,586 0.76%
Sources:[3][7]

According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, Rangamati Hill District had 153,482 households and a population of 647,586 with an average 4.15 people per household. Among the population, 119,027 (18.38%) inhabitants were under 10 years of age. The population density was 106 people per km2. The literacy rate (age 7 and over) was 71.41%, compared to the national average of 74.80%.The sex ratio of the district was at 106 males per 100 females. Approximately, 47.56% of the population lived in urban areas.[8][3]

According to the 2022 census, there were a total of 372,875 (57.58%) indigenous people in the district. The population of major ethnic minorities are Chakma 276,048, Marma 51,403, Tanchangya 27,975, Tripura 12,300, Khyang 1,670, and Pankhu 1,398.[8]

Ethnicity in the Rangamati District (2022)[8]

  Chakma (42.63%)
  Bengali (42.42%)
  Marma (7.94%)
  Tanchangya (4.32%)
  Tripura (1.90%)
  Khyang (0.26%)
  Pankhu (0.22%)
  Others (0.31%)

Bengalis

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According to the 2022 census, Bengalis are the second largest ethnic group in Rangamati Hill District (42.42%), nearly as numerous as Chakma people (42.63%).

They are largest ethnic group in Langadu Upazila (76.50%), Kaptai Upazila (55.71%), Rangamati Sadar Upazila (52.33%) and Kaukhali Upazila (44.88%).[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Bengalis[8]
Langadu Upazila 69,160 76.50%
Kaptai Upazila 30,867 55.71%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 76,718 52.33%
Kawkhali Upazila 29,763 44.88%
Rajasthali Upazila 9,009 32.33%
Barkal Upazila 14,393 28.96%
Bagaichhari Upazila 29,998 28.22%
Naniarchar Upazila 8,864 18.27%
Belaichhari Upazila 4,688 15.87%
Juraichhari Upazila 1,251 4.65%
 
Indigenous children, Rangamati

Chakmas

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According to the 2022 census, Chakmas are the largest ethnic group in Rangamati District (42.63%).

They are the largest ethnic group in Juraichhari Upazila (91.15%), Naniarchar Upazila (79.89%), Barkal Upazila (69.33%) and Bagaichhari Upazila (66.19%).[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Chakmas[8]
Juraichhari Upazila 24,548 91.15%
Naniarchar Upazila 38,766 79.89%
Barkal Upazila 34,462 69.33%
Bagaichhari Upazila 70,350 66.19%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 60,449 41.23%
Belaichhari Upazila 7,882 26.68%
Kawkhali Upazila 17,188 25.92%
Langadu Upazila 20,188 23.10%
Kaptai Upazila 1,246 2.25%
Rajasthali Upazila 269 0.97%

Marmas

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According to the 2022 census, Marmas are third largest ethnic group in Rangamati District (7.93%).

They are the largest ethnic group in Rajasthali Upazila (36.65%) and second largest in Kaptai Upazila (28.59%) and Kawkhali Upazila (27.86%).[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Marmas[8]
Rajasthali Upazila 10,213 36.65%
Kaptai Upazila 15,844 28.59%
Kawkhali Upazila 18,477 27.86%
Belaichhari Upazila 2,650 8.97%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 2,765 1.89%
Naniarchar Upazila 842 1.74%
Barkal Upazila 436 0.88%
Juraichhari Upazila 75 0.28%
Baghaichhari Upazila 89 0.08%
Langadu Upazila 12 0.01%

Tanchangyas

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According to the 2022 census, Tanchangyas are the fourth largest ethnic group in Rangamati District (4.32%).

They are the largest ethnic group in Belaichhari Upazila (38.77%).[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Tanchangya[8]
Belaichhari Upazila 11,452 38.77%
Rajasthali Upazila 4,542 16.30%
Kaptai Upazila 6,881 12.42%
Juraichhari Upazila 858 3.33%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 3,488 2.38%
Kaukhali Upazila 677 1.02%
Others <100 <1%

Tripuras

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According to the 2022 census, Tripuras are the fifth largest ethnic group in Rangamati District (1.90%).[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Tripuras[8]
Rajasthali Upazila 2,273 8.16%
Belaichhari Upazila 1,796 6.08%
Baghaichhari Upazila 5,457 5.13%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 2,206 1.50%
Others <1%

Khyangs

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According to the 2022 census, there are 1,670 kyang in Rangamati District.[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Khyangs[8]
Rajasthali Upazila 1,420 5.09%
Kaptai Upazila 177 0.32%
Others <100

Phankos

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According to the 2022 census, there are 1,398 Phankos live in Rangamati District.[8]

Upazila Population Percentage of Phankos[8]
Belaichhari Upazila 498 1.69%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 228 0.15%
Barkal Upazila 208 0.42%
Kaptai Upazila 143 0.26%
Baghaichhari Upazila 117 0.11%
Juraichhari Upazila 116 0.43%
Others <100

Religion

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Rangamati is the only Buddhist majority district of Bangladesh. But, Two municipalities of Rangamati district, both Rangamati and Baghaichhari have Muslim majority. Moreover, Langadu Upazila has Muslim majority and Kaptai Upazila has muslim plurality. Rangamati Sadar Upazila has Buddhist plurality and others have Buddhist majority.

Religion in the Rangamati District (2022)[9][10]

  Buddhism (57.26%)
  Islam (36.26%)
  Hinduism (5.11%)
  Christianity (1.32%)
  Other (0.05%)
Religion in present-day Rangamati Hill District[a]
Religion Population (1941)[11]: 104–105  Percentage (1941) Population (2022) Percentage (2022)
Tribal[b] 102,275 93.21% N/A N/A
Islam   3,963 3.62% 234,834 36.26%
Hinduism   2,584 2.35% 33,112 5.11%
Christianity   60 0.06% 8,547 1.32%
Buddhism   565 0.51% 370,793 57.26%
Others [c] 279 0.25% 300 0.05%
Total Population 109,726 100% 647,586 100%

As per 1991 census, the Religious institutions in district include Pagoda 1230, Mosque 1059, Temple 65, Church 16. Genderwise, male constituted 53.59% and female constituted 46.41% of the population.[12]

Buddhism

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According to 2022 census, Buddhism is the largest religion in Rangamati Hill District (57.25%).

Upazila Population Percentage of Buddhism[13]
Juraichhari Upazila 25,747 95.60%
Naniarchar Upazila 40,362 83.18%
Belaichhari Upazila 23,104 78.21%
Barkal Upazila 37,686 75.81%
Bagaichhari Upazila 72,267 67.99%
Rajasthali Upazila 16,294 58.48%
Kaukhali Upazila 37,641 56.76%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 71,100 48.50%
Kaptai Upazila 25,131 45.35%
Langadu Upazila 21,461 23.74%

Islam

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According to 2022 census, Islam is the second largest in Rangamati district(36.26%).

Upazila Population Percentage of Islam[13]
Langadu Upazila 67,465 74.62%
Kaptai Upazila 26,245 47.37%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 59,645 40.69%
Kaukhali Upazila 26,561 40.05%
Bagaichhari Upazila 26,291 24.74%
Barkal Upazila 11,305 22.74%
Rajasthali Upazila 6,107 21.92%
Naniarchar Upazila 7,201 14.84%
Belaichhari Upazila 3,137 10.62%
Juraichhari Upazila 877 3.26%

Hinduism

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According to 2022 census, Hinduism is third largest religion in Rangamati district(5.11%).

Upazila Population Percentage of Hinduism[14][13]
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 15,086 10.29%
Rajasthali Upazila 2445 8.77%
Baghaichhari Upazila 7,089 6.67%
Kaptai Upazila 3,452 6.23%
Kaukhali Upazila 2,051 3.09%
Naniarchar Upazila 906 1.87%
Belaichhari Upazila 367 1.24%
Langadu Upazila 1,113 1.23%
Barkal Upazila 434 0.87%
Juraichhari Upazila 169 0.63%

Christianity

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According to 2022 census, Christianity is fourth largest religion in Rangamati district(1.32%).

Upazila Population Percentage of Christianity[15]
Rajasthali Upazila 3,017 10.83%
Belaichhari Upazila 2,837 9.60%
Kaptai Upazila 564 1.02%
Baghaichhari Upazila 604 0.57%
Barkal Upazila 272 0.55%
Juraichhari Upazila 139 0.52%
Rangamati Sadar Upazila 657 0.45%
Langadu Upazila 361 0.40%
Kaukhali Upazila 55 0.08%
Naniarchar Upazila 41 0.08%

Administration

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For the District Administration, see District Administration, Rangamati.

District Administration is the apex office of a district at the present context of administrative setting of Bangladesh. It is the management of affairs within a district, which is the basic territorial unit of administration in the country. It is at this level that the common man comes into direct contact with the administration. The district falls under the charge of a district officer, called either Deputy Commissioner or District Collector or District Magistrate. This officer acts as the representative of the central government at this level. Like other district administrations of the country, District Administration Rangamati, widely known as the Office of the deputy commissioner is the representative of the cabinet in the Rangamati Hill District.

  • Deputy Commissioner (DC) & District Magistrate (DM): Md. Shamsul Arefin
  • Chairman of Zila Porishod: Brisketu Chakma
  • Chakma King: Debashish Roy[16]

Education

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There are 291 government primary schools, 120 non-government primary schools, 22 junior schools, 6 government high schools, 45 non-government high schools, 2 government colleges, 13 non-government colleges, 61 madrasa, 7 technical schools, Rangamati Medical College and Rangamati Science and Technology University located throughout the district.

Subdistricts

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The district of Rangamati consists of 10 upazilas, 1 municipality (9 wards and 35 mahallas), 50 union parishads, 162 mouzas and 1347 villages.

Upazilas

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Economy

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The economy of Rangamati is hugely dependent on agriculture with a total of 41.94% of the population employed there. Other occupational percentages are: agricultural labourer 12.06%, wage labourer 4.95%, commerce 8.22%, service 13.04%, fishing 2.02%, industry 4.57%, forestry 3.2% and others 10%. A grand total of 12275 hectares of land is used for cultivation, producing food and non-food crops such as rice, potato, corn, mustard seed, cotton and jute among others. Fruits such as mango, jackfruit, banana, pineapple, litchi, black berry are also grown in Rangmati.

Notable cottage industries of Rangamati are weaving, blacksmithing and wood work. Weaving is particularly famous for their woolen and jute rugs and hand loom cloth. Major industries include Chandraghona paper and rayon mill, Plywood Factory, Ghagra Textile and a Satellite Station at Betbunia amongst many others, producing and exporting goods.[6]

Tourism

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Kaptai lake

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Main article: Kaptai Lake

Kaptai Lake is a man made lake in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is located in the Kaptai Upazila under Rangamati District of Chittagong Division. The lake was created as a result of building the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River, as part of the Karnaphuli Hydro-electric project. The Kaptai Lake's average depth is 100 feet (30 m) and maximum depth is 490 feet (150 m). This lake was developed by inundating valleys and plain lands between the many hills.

Hanging Bridge

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In Bengali the name of the Hanging Bridge is Jhulonto Bridge and this is also popular to its visitors. This hanging bridge is established on Kaptai Lake. This is the link way of Kaptai Lake. The total height of this bridge is 335 feet and is the landmark icon of Rangamati.[17]

Kaptai National Park

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Kaptai National Park cascades between the Karnaphuly and Kaptai Mountain assortments. It was conventional in 1999 and its area is 5,464.78 hectares (13,503.8 acres). Prior to announcement of the national park it was Sitapahar Reserve. It is about 57 kilometre from Chittagong city. In this park one can find plenty of old trees which were planted in 1873. In Kaptai National Park, there is various wildlife such as deer, jungle cat, elephant, monkey, etc. Many species of birds may also be of interest to tourists and bird lovers. Kaptai National Park is a safe and sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. The Forest Division founded picnic spots, and restaurants in this park.[18]

Shuvolong Waterfalls

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Shuvolong a place in Barkol sub district, located about 25 kilometres (11 kilometres as the crow flies) away from Rangamati town. There are few waterfalls in Shuvolong area with the largest one falling from as high as 300 feet. In the past several years, this place has turned into a tourist destination due to its waterfalls and nearby market. Shuvolong is accessible by speed boat or motor boats from Rangamati.[19]

Sajek valley

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A view of Sajek.
 
View over the mountains, from Sajek

Sajek is a union at Baghaichari Upazila in Rangamati districts. Basically it is name of a river which separates Bangladesh from India. The river flows into the Karnafuli River in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Sajek Valley is situated in the North angle of Rangamati, near the Mizoram border boundary area. The valley is 1,800 ft high form sea level. Many small rivers flow through the hills - including the rivers Kachalon and Machalong. The main ethnic minorities on the valley are Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Pankua, Lushai. Marishsha is a name of a place near Sajek Valley. Most of the houses are made with bamboo. There is another place near Sajek, it is Kanlak, and it is known for its orange orchard.[citation needed]

Most attractions of the spot are sun set, rain, morning, evening, and night and aborigine people. Tourists can buy indigenous peoples' products from haat (markets). Roads are like big snake spirals on the mountains. Most of the people are Buddhist and others are Christian here. A new road has been built up to the Ruilui Para by the guidance of Bangladesh army. On the way traveller need to take permission from the army camp. Bangladesh army is very helpful and cooperative. Now mobile network is available here. The valley is in Rangamati but tourists can reach there from Khagrachhari, too. The route is Khagrachhori – Dighinala Bazaar – Bagaihat Bazaar – Machalong Haat – then Sajek. It is 62 km from Khagrachhari. Dighinala to Sajek is 40 km. Main transportation is Chander Gari.[20][21]

There is another one tourist destination which is popular among tourists named "Konglak Haphong" which is the highest peak of the Sajek Valley.[22]

Love Point

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Main article: Love Point, Bangladesh
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  •  
    A resort at Sajek union, Rangamati
  •  
    Statue of sitting Buddha, Rangamati
  •  
    Shubhalang waterfall
  •  
    The Hanging Bridge
  •  
    Lake surrounded by hills during winter
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    Sun Rays Through The Clouds
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    Clouds and hills Beside Rangamati Lake
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    Fishing boat of the Rangamati locals
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    Local People using boats for transportation
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    Kaptai Lake view

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Rangamati, Chandragona, Barkal and Langadu thanas of Chittagong Hill Tracts district
  2. ^ 'Tribal' was used as a blanket term for religious traditions of all tribes, and many of these tribes followed a more mainstream religion.
  3. ^ Including Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Ad-Dharmis, or not stated

References

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  1. ^ "রাঙ্গামাটি জেলা".
  2. ^ "Rangamati, Bangladesh Page". Global Gazetteer. Falling Rain.
  3. ^ a b c Population and Housing Census 2022: Preliminary Report. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. August 2022. pp. viii, 29, 38, 45. ISBN 978-984-35-2977-0.
  4. ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  5. ^ Atikur Rahman (2012). "Rangamati District". In Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal (ed.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (2nd ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  6. ^ a b c d "Rangamati Sadar Upazila". Banglapedia.
  7. ^ "Bangladesh Population and Housing Census 2011 Zila Report – Rangamati" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Population and Housing Census 2022 - District Report: Rangamati (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. June 2024. pp. xiii–xiv, 235–239. ISBN 978-984-475-257-3.
  9. ^ Population and Housing Census 2022 - District Report: Rangamati (PDF). District Series. Dhaka: Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. June 2024. ISBN 978-984-475-257-3.
  10. ^ "Population Census 2022: A CHT demographic analysis". Parbatta News. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024.
  11. ^ "Census of India, 1941 Volume VI Bengal Province" (PDF).
  12. ^ রাঙ্গামাটি জেলা তথ্য বাতায়নে আপনাকে স্বাগতম [Welcome to the Rangamati district portal]. Deputy Commissioner Rangamati (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  13. ^ a b c https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/site/page/b432a7e5-8b4d-4dac-a76c-a9be4e85828c
  14. ^ "2022 Census of Bangladesh - Preliminary Report". Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
  15. ^ name="bbs.portal.gov.bd"
  16. ^ বোমাং রাজার শেষকৃত্যানুষ্ঠানে হাজারও মানুষের ঢল [Thousands of people flocked to Bomang Raja's funeral]. Jugantor (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 28 December 2012.
  17. ^ "Go for Hanging Bridge of Rangamati Bangladesh which Looks Nice". news24ca.com.
  18. ^ Tourism in Rangamati, Rajban Bihar Pagoda, Kaptai National Park, Hanging Bridge, DC Bungalow Area, http://touristbd.com/tourism-in-rangamati-rajban-bihar-pagoda-kaptai-national-park-hanging-bridge-dc-bungalow-area/
  19. ^ "Visit Rangamati – Rangamati Tourist Information". jinghuabanglatours.com.
  20. ^ "Khagrachori – Land of Stories". Visit Bangladesh.
  21. ^ Bidesh Kumar. "Travel : Sajek Valley Tourist Spot in Rangamati". bdtravelguides.com.
  22. ^ "Konglak Haphong – A Finest Destination In Sajek Valley". Naver Daily. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
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