[🇧🇩] Chittagong Hill Tracts----A Victim of Indian Intervention

[Saif]

The CHT Peace Accord: Progress made, but needs full implementation

The UNPFII recently acknowledged the Peace Accord implementation progress. This poses a question: to what extent has Bangladesh actually succeeded in its implementation?

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The CHT Peace Accord: Progress made, but needs full implementation
The UNPFII recently acknowledged the Peace Accord implementation progress. This poses a question: to what extent has Bangladesh actually succeeded in its implementation?

The Chittagong Hill Tracts come alive during the Biju, Boisu, Bishu, Bihu, Sangrai, and Bangla New Year celebrations, with the lush hills and valleys painted in vibrant hues of festivities. Photo: Riben Dhar

The Chittagong Hills Tracts Peace Accord is an important peace accord between Bangali and ethnic communities in Bangladesh. Although almost 25 years have passed since the accord was signed, the full implementation of the accord is still a hot topic in civil society.

Amidst the pessimism surrounding the issue, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) recently acknowledged the Peace Accord implementation progress. This poses a question: to what extent has Bangladesh actually succeeded in its implementation?

The discontent among the CHT ethnic communities dates back to the creation of Bangladesh when the Manabendra Larma headed delegation failed to ensure cultural and linguistic autonomy from the newly formed Bangladesh government. Soon, that culminated into the creation of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana-Samhati Samiti, with an armed faction called Shanti Bahini.

Despite the Bangladesh government providing economic assistance and development endeavours through the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board (CHTDB), the hill community has over the years turned deeply resentful, which helped stoke the fire of ethnic Jumma nationalism.

The CHT Peace Accord was signed on 2 December 1997, by the then Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Chief Whip Abul Hasnat Abdullah (on behalf of the government) and Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (on behalf of the Jumma community).

The CHT Peace Accord had a constitutional basis unlike the Rangamati Hill District Council Act 1989, which had been accepted by both parties. The accord gave recognition to the special status of the hill people, which authorised forming a Regional Council representing the local government council.

To supervise the body, a Ministry of Tribal Affairs was also set up to look into the affairs of CHT. Under the Accord, the allowance of permanent cantonments was preserved, while temporary army, ansar and village defense forces were to be gradually withdrawn.

The Accord ensures full land ownership rights to respective owners, and gives back to the hill people the land that was forcibly taken from them.

However, what complicates the scenario is the hostile attitude of the CHT militia faction, absence of a third party monitoring the implementation process, a strong government body to facilitate the implementation, and regional geopolitics affecting border security and ethnic minority community peace.

The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) are involved in a conflict of their own, and often engage in gun clashes with each other. According to media reports, Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and Marma National Party (MNP) - who were once former members of UPDF and PCJSS - are also growing as separate active armed organisations in the region.

These ultra-national and ultra-communal militia forces are in fact different factions with the same roots of origin, and they now want to establish their own ethnic autonomy – ultimately transforming the environment into a hostile one.

The CHT is an integral part of Bangladesh's territory. The government cannot, therefore, ignore these multifaceted interests pervading in this region. The Chakma community may have led the 1997 Peace Accord, but now hundreds of other small ethnic community movements have appeared, who might not have been taken into consideration at that time.

To implement the clauses fully, maybe it's time to proactively engage the smaller ethnic communities altogether.

Obviously, the picture is not entirely bleak. The government claims to have successfully implemented 48 out of 72 provisions, which is however often countered by the PCJSS and others. Nonetheless, it has successfully implemented important provisions such as demobilisation, disarmament, re-integration and prisoner release, soon after the signing. It was an immediate step to improve and better the violent conditions of the CHT.

Bangladesh now has a fully-functioning-dedicated Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tract Affairs. The special rights have enabled the hills community to be mainstreamed into the Bangladesh society; especially the quota system in public universities and public service commission that have enabled the hill people to gain considerable momentum in Bangladeshi society. However, the question remains over accommodation, or assimilation, of the ethnic community into Bangladeshi nationalism.

Be that as it may, the ethnic community is certainly at a better socio-economic place than at previous times, partly due to the development and infrastructural changes made in the CHT region.

Another reason for the difficulty of implementation of the Peace Accord is the ultra-nationalist ethnic politics emerging in South Asia. Despite steady economic growth, South Asian ethnic communalism is tending towards instability and unpredictability in recent times.

The failed strategic parity of India-Pakistan, a growing affinity towards India-China cooperation, Myanmar's ethnic violence, persecution of the Rohingya, India's ultra-nationalist separatism in the Northeast, are all affecting their close neighbors.

Bangladesh can't resist the tidal waves when its border is surrounded by India and Myanmar.

The latest case of Kuki-Chin National Front's (KNF) reported nexus with Jamaatul Sharqiya perhaps is a new phenomenon. KNF's rivalry with UPDF and other ethnic separatist forces has often resulted in bloodbaths, turning peaceful villages into conflict zones.

Strategic analysts have also pointed out to the fact South Asian cross-border smuggling and terrorism has inevitable linkages to the instability in the CHT region. Bangladesh has already launched months-long 'special drives' against KNF, yet the porous border and hilly terrain are constraining the operation's ultimate success.

In order to ensure security of its own border, Bangladesh needs to refocus on the full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord.

What the UNPF praises is the progress that has been made on the Accord. One cannot deny that certain provisions such as demobilisation, reintegration and mainstreaming of the ethnic community have been implemented successfully. Progress has been made, but now it's time to move towards the full implementation. The key issues that still need to be addressed are specifically land acquisition and ownership, decentralisation, and ensuring ethnic minority rights.

Neither can the government do this alone, nor should the voices of minorities be unheard. What is required is a strong willpower to move towards dispute settlement and right recognition; only then can the CHT communal grievance be ameliorated.

 

[Saif]

India's involvement in CHT insurgency.

 

[Saif]

Armed criminals attack joint check post of police, army in Bandarban

Armed criminals today attacked a joint check post of army and police at 26 mile Dim hilly area in Bandarban's Thanchi-Alikadam border

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Armed criminals attack joint check post of police, army in Bandarban

Dim Hill. Image: Google Maps

Armed criminals today attacked a joint check post of army and police in Bandarban's Thanchi-Alikadam border.

The incident took place around 1:00am in 26 mile Dim hill area, reports our Chattogram staff correspondent quoting Alikadam Police Station OC Tabidur Rahman.

He said, "In the early hours today, armed criminals on a vehicle tried to run through a joint check post of police and army. At that time, a gunfight broke out between the groups."

However, no casualties were reported till now.

Police and army are alert at the spot, he added.

Earlier, a gunfight broke out between police and KNF members in Thanchi Bazar area of Bandarban around 8:30pm.

BGB and army joined the police when the firing started in Thanchi Bazar and surrounding areas.

An hour later, around 9:30pm, the shooting stopped.​

 

[Saif]

Govt takes firm stance against armed activities in CHT: Quader

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today, stated that the government has adopted a firm stance against the ongoing armed activities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region

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Govt takes firm stance against armed activities in CHT: Quader

File photo

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today, stated that the government has adopted a firm stance against the ongoing armed activities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region.

"The government is aware of the armed activities in Chattogram Hill Tracts. A joint-drive is going on there. So, the situation will come under control soon," he said while speaking at an Eid gift distribution ceremony at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital this morning.

The AL general secretary said a small ethnic group has started some armed activities in the CHT. This ethnic group is not found in Rangamati and Khagrachari, but only found in Bandarban.

"Some of the youths of this ethnic group are staging demonstrations with arms. Law enforcement forces are conducting a joint operation there in this regard," he said.

Hoping that the situation will get normal soon, Quader said there is no reason to think that the entire CHT will be in turmoil due to the armed activities of these ethnic people.​

 

[Saif]

Kalpana Chakma abduction case dismissed

A Rangamati court on Tuesday accepted the final report submitted by the police clearing all suspects in a case filed over the disappearance of...

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Kalpana Chakma abduction case dismissed
Staff Correspondent 24 April, 2024, 00:00

Kalpana Chakma

A Rangamati court on Tuesday accepted the final report submitted by the police clearing all suspects in a case filed over the disappearance of Chittagong Hill Tracts-based woman leader Kalpana Chakma in 1996.

The court also rejected a no-confidence petition submitted by Kalpana's brother, Kalindi Kumar Chakma, on the final report submitted by police clearing the suspects, including army's Lieutenant Ferdous Kaisar Khan in the case.

On October 19, 2016, Kalindi filed a no-confidence petition before the court, rejecting a police final report submitted in September 2016 that cleared all suspects.

'We got such a kind of order from the court after 28 years of abduction, which is unfortunate,' Kalindi said after the court order.

Jewel Dewan, Rajib Chakma, and Susmita Chakma represented Kalindi in court.

'We will seek a criminal revision in this matter and will go to the high court challenging the order if needed,' said Jewel.

Kalindi filed the case with the Baghaichari police station after Kalpana's disappearance following her abduction in 1996.

Kalpana Chakma, 23, was allegedly abducted from her house in Baghaichari on June 12, 1996, several hours before the 7th national election.

She was campaigning for independent candidate Bijoy Ketan Chakma, then a senior presidium member of the Pahari Gana Parishad.

Kalpana's family alleged that none of the investigating officers interrogated the suspects— army's Lieutenant Ferdous Kaisar Khan, who is now retired from the service, Village Defence Party member Nurul Huq, and police constable Saleh Ahmed.

The government informed the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances that Hill Women's Federation organising secretary Kalpana Chakma remained missing after her abduction in Baghaichari, Rangamati, on June 12, 1996.

In June 2022, the government submitted its updated report on 76 cases of disappearance that had been reported to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights over the years.​

 

[Saif]

Indian foreign minister Joyshankar blames the separation of Bangladesh from India for turmoil in North-East India. The video also talks about India's efforts to dismember Bangladesh by aiding insurgency in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

 

[Saif]

UPDF activist shot dead in Khagrachhari

An activist of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Santi Bikash Karbaripara in Dighinala upazila early today

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UPDF activist shot dead in Khagrachhari

An activist of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Santi Bikash Karbaripara in Dighinala upazila early today.

The deceased, identified as Junel Chakma, 31, was an organiser of the Tarabunia unit of UPDF (Prasit Group) from Amtoli village in the upazila.

Junel had recently joined the UPDF from the Democratic Jubo Forum.

According to Nurul Haque, officer-in-charge of Dighinala Police Station, unidentified individuals entered the house of Master Lalit Chakma in the Kangarima Chara area early in the morning, where Junel was staying, and killed him.

Upon receiving the information, police recovered the body.

However, Angya Marma, district organiser of UPDF, accused the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS-Santu group) of being responsible for the killing and demanded justice.​

 

[Saif]

The CHT accord cannot be implemented fully as it directly contradicts our constitution. It is my understanding that the GoB needs to actively consider the possibility of cancelling the CHT accord in the future.

Implement CHT accord fully

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord Implementation Movement has called on the interim government to develop a clear and actionable plan with specific deadlines and mechanisms to ensure accountability in order to fully implement the CHT Accord.

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Implement CHT accord fully
Demands CHT Accord Implementation Movement

File photo

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord Implementation Movement has called on the interim government to develop a clear and actionable plan with specific deadlines and mechanisms to ensure accountability in order to fully implement the CHT Accord.

Representatives of the movement made the call at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity yesterday, stressing that it was essential to implement the core elements of the accord, which remained largely unfulfilled for 26 years, to establish peace and stability in the CHT region.

They presented a seven-point demand in this regard.

The demands also include: ending military supervision in CHT region; empowering the regional councils and the CHT three district councils under the Accord, ensuring democratic, representative, and effective local governance; ensuring land rights and rehabilitation for people of CHT; integrating them into the country's mainstream economic progress; reserving special seats for indigenous people in all local government bodies in the plainland districts; and establishing a separate land commission for the indigenous people of plainlands to address their specific needs and challenges.

Khairul Chowdhury, a teacher of sociology department at Dhaka University and also joint coordinator of the movement, presented the demands.

To implement these demands, the movement proposed five immediate actions to the government, including reconstitution of the CHT Accord Implementation Committee, urgent reform of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission, initiating dialogue with the Regional Council, and reconstitution of the advisory council to the CHT affairs ministry.

Prof Robaet Ferdous of DU's mass communication and journalism department, said it was time to address the oppression faced by indigenous communities in the hills.

"For the past 50 years, people in the hill areas have been living under harsh military rule. If the country's 61 other districts have democratic governance, why should three remaining districts be under military control?" he asked.

Dipayan Khisa of the Adivasi Forum and Myentthein Promila of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum also spoke, while Jakir Hossain, joint coordinator of the movement, moderated the event.​

 

[Saif]

CHT tense as 4 killed in violence

Four people were killed and at least 72 others injured as violence flared up in Rangamati town and Khagrachhari’s Dighinala and Sadar upazilas yesterday.

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CHT tense as 4 killed in violence
72 injured, several by gunshots; section 144 imposed in Khagrachhari, Rangamati towns; dozens of shops, houses vandalised

People from indigenous communities demonstrate at the capital’s Shahbagh intersection yesterday protesting Thursday’s arson attacks in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala upazila. They demanded punishment for the attackers and probe into violations of human rights of the indigenous people in the Chattogram Hill Tracts. Photo: Prabir Das

Four people were killed and at least 72 others injured as violence flared up in Rangamati town and Khagrachhari's Dighinala and Sadar upazilas yesterday.

The authorities imposed section 144, which restricts assembly of three or more people, on Khagrachhari and Rangamati towns.

In Dighinala, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Mamunur Rashid said at least 102 shops were burnt down. Of the shops, 72 belong to the indigenous people, and the rest to Bangalees.

No homes were attacked, he added.

However, locals said that on Thursday, several houses were set on fire in Dighinala, and residents fled their villages out of fear.

Yesterday, clashes between Bangalee and indigenous people took place in Rangamati town, spreading fear among locals.

The clashes began after a group of Bangalee people attacked a procession of the indigenous communities, witnesses said.

People of the town spent the day in panic amid tension between the communities.

Most of the markets and shops were closed in the two district towns and the roads were mostly empty.

Police and hospital sources in Khagrachhari identified three of the deceased as Dhananjoy Chakma, 50, Rubel Tripura, 25, and Junan Chakma, 20.

Hospital sources said Dhananjoy's body bore marks of blunt trauma. He died in Dighinala on Thursday night. The two others got shot in Khagrachhari Sadar upazila and died around 1:30am yesterday at Adhunik Sadar Hospital.

The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) in a statement yesterday evening said three people were killed and several others injured during an exchange of fire as the army retaliated in self-defence when UPDF (main) members fired on an army patrol team in the Swanirvar area of Khagrachhari town on Thursday night.

"An army patrol team of Khagrachhari zone while taking a critically wounded patient [to safety] came under a gun attack by UPDF terrorists," the ISPR added.

Besides, an unidentified man aged around 20 was brought dead to Rangamati General Hospital. The man was hit in the head during a clash between indigenous and Bangalee people.

Ahsan Habib Palash, deputy inspector general at Chattogram Range Police, said, "Police and security forces are jointly patrolling the areas to keep the situation under control. Gunshots were heard in Khagrachhari town [on Thursday night]."

Adhunik Sadar Hospital's Resident Medical Officer Ripal Bappi Chakma said, "Nine injured individuals from Dighinala and Sadar upazilas are now admitted here. Four others were referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for better treatment."

Sources said the four were shot in the leg, waist and abdomen.

Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir last night in a statement said the people have been freed from the "Awami fascist regime", but the country remains unsafe due to violence.

"Perpetrators are desperate to destabilise the country. This is why people are being brutally attacked, killed, or seriously injured. The incidents of casualties in Khagrachhari and Rangamati are a cruel manifestation of this," he said.

Fakhrul also called for the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in the attacks, urging authorities to restore peace and security.

RANGAMATI VIOLENCE

Indigenous people and students were marching yesterday morning in Rangamati town in protest of the attacks on properties of indigenous communities in Dighinala.

The clash began after a group of Bangalees attacked the procession at Bonorupa Bazar around 10:30am, witnesses said.

Both groups then engaged in fierce clashes hurling bricks at each other. Several shops, vehicles, and businesses were vandalised and set on fire in the neighbourhoods where indigenous communities are predominant.

The neighbourhoods include Kalindipur, Bijon Sarani, Dewan Para, and Tridip Nagar.

The CHT Regional Council office was also ransacked and set on fire. Vehicles parked on the premises were torched. Attackers also vandalised and looted Maitri Bihar, a temple at Bonorupa of the indigenous people, around 12:00pm.

Tritimoy Chakma, a member of the temple management committee, said a box in which people put money for monks was looted.

Sowkat Akbar, RMO at Rangamati General Hospital, said, "At least 54 people were taken there and a man aged around 20 was declared dead. Nineteen of the injured needed inpatient care while three others with serious injuries were sent to Chattogram."

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Sahiduzzaman said, "Gunshots were heard in Panchhari and several other areas. Our teams are working to maintain law and order. Army, BGB and police are patrolling the streets."

The ISPR said that on Thursday a procession denouncing the killing of a man by a mob was passing through the Boalkhali market area when members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) attacked the protestors, firing 20-30 bullets. The enraged crowd then set fire to several shops in the Boalkhali market.

Clashes began after that, and the situation was brought under control when an army patrol arrived at the scene.

Following the incident, tension spread across Khagrachhari town, Dighinala, Panchhari, and nearby areas.

The ISPR urged everyone to maintain peace and harmony in the hill districts.​

 

[Saif]

Khagrachhari, Rangamati: ‘Culprits behind violence will be brought to book’

The government has made an urgent appeal for peace in the three hill districts, following the recent unrest in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, affirming its dedication to resolving the crisis.

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Khagrachhari, Rangamati: ‘Culprits behind violence will be brought to book’
Chief adviser urges all to remain calm

The government has made an urgent appeal for peace in the three hill districts, following the recent unrest in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, affirming its dedication to resolving the crisis.

A high-powered probe committee would soon be formed to investigate all incidents of violence, and those responsible would be brought to book, according to a press statement issued from the chief adviser's office yesterday.

Besides, a high-level government delegation, led by the home adviser, is expected to visit Khagrachhari and Rangamati today, the statement said.

The delegation includes the Chittagong Hill Tracts affairs adviser, the local government adviser, and the special assistant to the chief adviser for defence and national solidarity development.

"The government is deeply saddened and distressed by the ongoing attacks, assaults, and loss of life following the mob beating of an individual on September 18," it read.

The authorities have been instructed to ensure proper medical care for all the injured.

All law enforcement agencies have been instructed to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure the safety of all residents in the three hill districts. The government is committed to ensuring peace, harmony, and unity in the region, the statement said.

Everyone is urged not to take the law into their own hands or engage in destructive activities. Taking the law into one's own hands and destroying any property is a heinous crime and a punishable offence, it added.​

 

[Saif]

তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণে সরকার কাজ করছে: প্রধান উপদেষ্টার কার্যালয়

 

[Saif]

পার্বত্য জেলায় সংঘর্ষ প্রসঙ্গে যা জানাল আইএসপিআর

তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় শান্তি ও সম্প্রীতি বজায় রাখতে সর্বসাধারণকে বিশেষভাবে অনুরোধ জানানো হয়েছে।

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পার্বত্য জেলায় সংঘর্ষ প্রসঙ্গে যা জানাল আইএসপিআর
তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় শান্তি ও সম্প্রীতি বজায় রাখতে সর্বসাধারণকে বিশেষভাবে অনুরোধ জানানো হয়েছে।

পার্বত্য জেলায় উচ্ছৃঙ্খল জনসাধারণের মধ্যে চলমান সংঘর্ষ প্রসঙ্গে বিবরণ দিয়েছে আন্তঃবাহিনী জনসংযোগ পরিদপ্তর (আইএসপিআর)।

আজ শুক্রবার বিকেলে আইএসপিআর এই বিবরণ দিয়েছে।

এতে বলা হয়েছে, গত বুধবার (১৮ সেপ্টেম্বর) খাগড়াছড়ি জেলা সদরে মোটরসাইকেল চুরির ঘটনাকে কেন্দ্র করে কতিপয় উচ্ছৃঙ্খল জনগণের পিটুনিতে মো. মামুন (৩০) নামের এক যুবক নিহত হন। পরে সদর থানা–পুলিশ নিহত ব্যক্তির মরদেহ উদ্ধার করে ময়নাতদন্ত শেষে পরিবারের কাছে হস্তান্তর করে। এই ঘটনাকে কেন্দ্র করে গতকাল বৃহস্পতিবার (১৯ সেপ্টেম্বর) বিকেলে দীঘিনালা কলেজ থেকে একটি বিক্ষোভ মিছিল বের হয়। মিছিলটি দীঘিনালার বোয়ালখালী বাজার অতিক্রম করার সময় ইউপিডিএফের (মূল) কিছু সন্ত্রাসী মিছিলের ওপর হামলা করে ও ২০-৩০টি গুলি ছোড়ে। এ পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে বিক্ষুব্ধ জনতা বোয়ালখালী বাজারের কয়েকটি দোকানে অগ্নিসংযোগ করে।

এই সংঘর্ষ চলাকালে উভয় পক্ষের ৬ জন আহত হলে তাদের চিকিৎসার জন্য দীঘিনালা উপজেলা স্বাস্থ্য কমপ্লেক্স ও খাগড়াছড়ি সদর হাসপাতালে পাঠানো হয়। পরে সেনাবাহিনীর টহল দল ঘটনাস্থলে উপস্থিত হয়ে পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণে আনে এবং ফায়ার ব্রিগেড ও স্থানীয় জনসাধারণের সহায়তায় আগুন নেভায়। এই ঘটনার পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে খাগড়াছড়ি জেলা সদর, দীঘিনালা, পানছড়ি ও আশপাশ এলাকায় উত্তেজনা ছড়িয়ে পড়ে। সেই সেঙ্গ কতিপয় স্বার্থান্বেষী মহল সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যমে গুজব ছড়িয়ে ক্রমেই পরিস্থিতিকে আরও উত্তেজনাকর করে তোলে। দ্রুততার সঙ্গে খাগড়াছড়ি জেলার আইনশৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণে আনার জন্য জেলা প্রশাসকের সভাপতিত্বে জরুরি ভার্চ্যুয়াল সভা অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। সভার সিদ্ধান্ত অনুযায়ী, পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণে রাখতে বৃহস্পতিবার রাত ১০টা থেকে খাগড়াছড়ি জেলা সদর, দীঘিনালা ও পানছড়িসহ সব উপজেলায় যৌথভাবে সেনাবাহিনী, বিজিবি, পুলিশ ও আনসার বাহিনীর সমন্বয়ে টহল দেওয়ার সিদ্ধান্ত হয়। পাশাপাশি বিভিন্ন কমিউনিটি লিডারদের (স্থানীয় জনগোষ্ঠীর নেতাদের) সঙ্গে আলাপ–আলোচনা করে সব পক্ষকে সহিংস কর্মকাণ্ড থেকে বিরত থাকার পরামর্শ দিতে বলা হয়।

একই রাতে (১৯ সেপ্টেম্বর) খাগড়াছড়ি জোনের একটি টহল দল রাত সাড়ে ১০টায় একজন মুমূর্ষু রোগীকে স্থানান্তরের সময় খাগড়াছড়ি শহরের স্বনির্ভর এলাকায় পৌঁছালে অবস্থানরত উত্তেজিত জনসাধারণ ইউপিডিএফের (মূল) নেতৃত্বে বাধা সৃষ্টি করে। একসময় ইউপিডিএফের সন্ত্রাসীরা সেনাবাহিনীর টহল দলের সদস্যদের ওপর গুলি করে এবং আত্মরক্ষার্থে সেনাবাহিনী পাল্টা গুলি চালায়। ওই গোলাগুলির ঘটনায় তিনজন নিহত এবং কয়েকজন আহত হয় বলে জানা যায়।

একই ঘটনার ধারাবাহিকতায় খাগড়াছড়ি জেলার পানছড়িতে স্থানীয় উচ্ছৃঙ্খল জনসাধারণ কয়েকজন যুবকের মোটরসাইকেল থামিয়ে তাদের ওপর হামলা ও লাঠিপেটা করে। সেই সঙ্গে উত্তেজিত জনসাধারণ ইউপিডিএফের (মূল) নেতৃত্বে ফায়ার ব্রিগেডের কার্যালয়ে ভাঙচুর করে।

আজ শুক্রবার (২০ সেপ্টেম্বর) সকালে পিসিজেএসএস (পার্বত্য চট্টগ্রাম জনসংহতি সমিতি) সমর্থিত পাহাড়ি ছাত্র পরিষদ রাঙামাটি জেলা সদরে 'সংঘাত ও বৈষম্যবিরোধী পাহাড়ি ছাত্র আন্দোলন'–এর ব্যানারে স্থানীয় জনসাধারণ রাঙামাটি জিমনেসিয়াম এলাকায় সমবেত হয়। এ সময় ৮০০-১০০০ জন উত্তেজিত জনসাধারণ একটি মিছিল বের করে বনরূপা এলাকার দিকে অগ্রসর হয় এবং বনরূপা বাজার মসজিদ, অগ্রণী ব্যাংক, জনতা ব্যাংক, সিএনজি-অটোরিকশা, মোটরসাইকেল এবং বেশ কিছু দোকানে ভাঙচুর ও অগ্নিসংযোগ করে। এতে উভয় পক্ষের বেশ কিছু লোকজন আহত হয়। উদ্ভূত পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণের লক্ষ্যে রাঙামাটি জেলা সদরে ১৪৪ ধারা জারি করা হয়েছে।

উপরিউক্ত ঘটনাসমূহের পরিপ্রেক্ষিতে চলমান উত্তেজনা তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় ভয়াবহ দাঙ্গায় রূপ নিতে পারে বলে আইএসপিআর সতর্ক করেছে। তারা বলেছে, অনতিবিলম্বে নেতৃস্থানীয় ব্যক্তিদের চলমান উত্তেজনা প্রশমনে আইনশৃঙ্খলা রক্ষাকারী বাহিনীকে সহায়তা করার জন্য অনুরোধ জানানো যাচ্ছে। যথাযথ তদন্ত কার্যক্রম সম্পাদনের মাধ্যমে প্রকৃত দোষী ব্যক্তিদের শনাক্তপূর্বক প্রয়োজনীয় আইনানুগ ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণ করা হবে। তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় শান্তি ও সম্প্রীতি বজায় রাখতে সর্বসাধারণকে বিশেষভাবে অনুরোধ জানানো যাচ্ছে।​

 

[Saif]

Army makes ‘special request’ for calm amid riot concerns in hill areas

The army has made a ‘special request’ to maintain peace in the three hill districts of Chattogram. In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, or ISPR, on Friday, concerns were raised about the potential for "severe riots" following recent clashes that resulted in at

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Army makes ‘special request’ for calm amid riot concerns in hill areas
Published :
Sep 20, 2024 22:24
Updated :
Sep 20, 2024 22:24

The army has made a ‘special request’ to maintain peace in the three hill districts of Chattogram.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, or ISPR, on Friday, concerns were raised about the potential for "severe riots" following recent clashes that resulted in at least four fatalities.

Section 144 has been imposed in Khagrachhari municipal town, district headquarters, and Rangamati municipal area reports bdnews24.com.

The ISPR statement detailed the initiation of the incidents and exchanges of gunfire between army personnel and local hill community leaders.

The final paragraph of the statement reads, “The ongoing tension in the three hill districts could transform into ‘severe riots.’ Community leaders are requested to immediately assist law-enforcing agencies in calming the ongoing unrest."

It also mentioned that legal action will be taken to identify the ‘real culprits’ through proper investigative measures.

It concludes by urging the public to play an active role in maintaining peace and harmony in the hill districts.​

 

[Saif]

'No compromise on sovereignty in CHT’: Students for Sovereignty

Armed groups are killing unarmed civilians, attacking mosques, and engaging in arson and looting to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts, alleged 'Students for Sovereignty', a platform of Bengali students from three hilly districts of Dhaka University. On Friday, the platform organised a human c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'No compromise on sovereignty in CHT’: Students for Sovereignty
DU CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Sep 20, 2024 20:31
Updated :
Sep 20, 2024 20:31

Armed groups are killing unarmed civilians, attacking mosques, and engaging in arson and looting to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts, alleged 'Students for Sovereignty', a platform of Bengali students from three hilly districts of Dhaka University.

On Friday, the platform organised a human chain and protest rally at the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the university campus, demanding safety for the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The students stressed that there can be no compromise on the question of sovereignty, saying, "Armed terrorist groups are killing unarmed civilians, attacking mosques, committing arson and looting to destabilise the region."

At the rally, the group demanded that armed terrorists in the Chittagong Hill Tracts be identified and brought to justice; law enforcement agencies take effective steps to recover all illegal weapons in the area; the army play an active role in ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens; and army camps be increased in areas where there are security risks.

Minhaj Tauki, who studies philosophy at Dhaka University, blamed the Awami League and India for unrest in the CHT. He said since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's dictatorial regime on August 5, the Awami League, with the help of India, has been trying to create instability in various sectors across the country.

Addressing the political representation of Bengalis in the hills, he said that Bengalis can neither become the chairman of the three hill district councils or the permanent council.

He also recalled the history of Bengali oppression in the CHT, saying, "Their tactics are not new; they started it back in 1973. Initially, there was no military rule in the region."

"The army is only needed when the police force becomes unsafe there. Considering the current context, the security of all Bengalis in Chittagong Hill Tracts should be strengthened to protect Bangladesh's sovereignty." he added.​

 

[Saif]

‘Vested groups behind violence in the hills’

Three advisers, who visited Rangamati and Khagrachhari yesterday, have pointed out that vested groups are trying to destabilise the situation in the hills with a view to putting the interim government in an awkward position.

www.thedailystar.net

‘Vested groups behind violence in the hills’
3 advisers claim; blockade halt daily life in CHT

Law enforcers and army personnel stand guard on a road in Rangamati town yesterday after day-long violence and tensions between Bangalee and indeginous communities on Friday. Photo: Star

Three advisers, who visited Rangamati and Khagrachhari yesterday, have pointed out that vested groups are trying to destabilise the situation in the hills with a view to putting the interim government in an awkward position.

Urging everyone to remain vigilant, they assured the locals of forming a high-level committee to investigate all incidents that took place between Wednesday and Friday, and bringing the wrongdoers to book, said a release of the Chief Adviser's Office yesterday.

The recent violence in the Chattogram Hill Tracts has left four people dead.

Tension was prevailing in Rangamati and Khagrachhari yesterday as vehicles were off the roads and waterway transport services remained suspended amid a 72-hour road and waterway blockade enforced by indigenous protesters under the banner of Jummo Chhatra-Janata Parishad. The blockade began on Friday evening protesting the violence.

Markets, shops, and other businesses were shut in the two districts towns as Section 144 was imposed on Friday prohibiting assembly of five or more people.

Several vehicles were vandalised in Rangamati during Friday's violence, said transport owners.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Local Government Adviser AF Hassan Ariff, and CHT Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma visited the two hill districts yesterday. They discussed law and order with the locals and the government officials concerned.

They also met local political leaders, eminent personalities, representatives from business and trade bodies, media outlets, law enforcement agencies and district councils of Rangamati and Khagrachhari.

The advisers said the onus is on the local leaders to maintain harmony and peace and they must play their due role.

Law enforcement agencies have been asked to show maximum restraint, they said.

They warned that attacks on the places of worships would not be tolerated.

They said that treatment of all the injured will be ensured and the military hospitals will be made available for this purpose, if needed.

Speaking to reporters in Rangamati and Feni, Local Government Adviser Ariff and ICT Adviser Nahid Islam yesterday expressed suspicion that the recent violence in the hills was the result of a "conspiracy".

The home adviser, local government adviser, and CHT affairs adviser had a meeting with local government officials and the representatives of security forces at the Bangladesh Army's base in Rangamati around noon.

"[In the meeting,] everyone was saying that a conspiracy was hatched from abroad to disrupt harmony," Ariff told reporters after the meeting.

He said everybody demanded formation of an independent probe body.

Home Adviser Jahangir said a high-level probe body comprising some senior officials will be formed to probe the recent violence.

"No one will be spared. Those found involved in trying to incite violence will face stringent punishment. We will not allow any deterioration in law and order situation," he said.

Talking to reporters during his visit to some flood-hit areas in Feni's Chhagalnaiya upazila, ICT Adviser Nahid yesterday said attempts were made to worsen law and order in the country.

"There is a long-standing problem in the CHT region and we will have to solve it ourselves," he said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, while briefing reporters at his ministry, yesterday said he did not know anything about any conspiracy from abroad to create unrest in the CHT.

Violence broke out in two hill districts following the death of a Bangalee named Md Mamun in a mob beating. He was accused of stealing a motorbike in Khagrachhari town on Wednesday morning.

The following day, at least 30 houses and businesses belonging to indigenous people came under arson attacks in Khagrachhari's Dighinala upazila.

On Friday, four people were killed and at least 72 others injured as violence flared up in Rangamati town and Khagrachhari's Dighinala and Sadar upazilas.

[Our staff correspondent from Chattogram and district correspondent from Rangamati contributed to this report]​

 

[Saif]

আইন-শৃঙ্খলার অবনতি করলে কঠোর ব্যবস্থা: রাঙ্গামাটিতে স্বরাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা

‘যারা ভবিষ্যতে আইন-শৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতির অবনতি করবে, তাদের হাত ভেঙে দেওয়া হবে।’

bangla.thedailystar.net

আইন-শৃঙ্খলার অবনতি করলে কঠোর ব্যবস্থা: রাঙ্গামাটিতে স্বরাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা
‘যারা ভবিষ্যতে আইন-শৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতির অবনতি করবে, তাদের হাত ভেঙে দেওয়া হবে।’

ছবি: ইউএনবি

ভবিষ্যতে আইন-শৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতির অবনতি ঘটালে কঠোর ব্যবস্থা নেওয়া হবে বলে হুঁশিয়ার করেছেন স্বরাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা লেফটেন্যান্ট জেনারেল (অবসরপ্রাপ্ত) জাহাঙ্গীর আলম চৌধুরী।

তিনি বলেন, 'যারা ভবিষ্যতে আইন-শৃঙ্খলা পরিস্থিতির অবনতি করবে, তাদের হাত ভেঙে দেওয়া হবে।'

আজ শনিবার দুপুর সাড়ে ১২টায় রাঙ্গামাটির রিজিয়নের প্রান্তিক হলে তিনি এ কথা বলেন।

এর আগে গত দুই দিন সংঘর্ষ, ভাঙচুর ও অগ্নিসংযোগের পর পরিস্থিতি নিয়ন্ত্রণে রাঙ্গামাটির বিভিন্ন রাজনৈতিক দলের প্রতিনিধিদের সঙ্গে স্বরাষ্ট্র উপদেষ্টা বৈঠক করেন।

তিনি বলেন, 'যে অপ্রীতিকর ঘটনা ঘটেছে তার জন্য আমরা একটি উচ্চ পর্যায়ের তদন্ত কমিটি গঠন করব। আইন-শৃঙ্খলা কোনো অবস্থায় অবনতি হতে দেওয়া যাবে না। এর জন্য সবার সহযোগিতা কামনা করছি। কেউ যদি আইন-শৃঙ্খলার অবনতি করে, তাদের কোনো অবস্থায় ছাড় দেওয়া হবে না।'

আইন-শৃঙ্খলা উন্নতির জন্য সব সম্প্রদায়কে সহযোগিতার আহ্বান জানান তিনি। পাহাড়ে যাতে শান্তি-শৃঙ্খলা বজায় থাকে, সে জন্য তিনি জনগণদের বোঝানোর আহ্বান জানান।

এ সময় স্থানীয় সরকার, পল্লী উন্নয়ন ও সমবায় মন্ত্রণালয় উপদেষ্টা এ এফ হাসান আরিফ বলেন, পাহাড়ে সবাই সম্প্রীতি চাই। সম্প্রীতি নষ্ট করার জন্য বাইরে থেকে ষড়যন্ত্র করা হচ্ছে। তারা যাতে পাহাড়কে নিয়ে ষড়যন্ত্র করতে না পারে তার জন্য সবাইকে সজাগ থাকে হবে।

এদিকে, খাগড়াছড়ির দীঘিনালা ঘটনাকে কেন্দ্র করে রাঙ্গামাটিতে অনাকাঙ্ক্ষিত ঘটনার পুনরাবৃত্তি যাতে না হয় তার জন্য প্রশাসনের ১৪৪ ধারা বলবৎ আছে। অপর দিকে তিন পার্বত্য জেলায় পাহাড়ি ছাত্র-জনতার ডাকে চলছে ৭২ ঘণ্টার অবরোধ। সড়ক ও নৌ পথ অবরোধ ও যানবাহনের ধর্মঘটের কারণে রাঙ্গামাটিতে সব কটি সড়ক ও নৌ পথে সব ধরনের যানবাহন ও নৌ পথে লঞ্চ চলাচল বন্ধ রয়েছে।​

 

[Saif]

Fear reigns in CHT

Fear reigned supreme in the Chittagong Hill Tracts where life came to an abrupt halt on Saturday following two previous days of sectarian violence in Khagrachhari and...

www.newagebd.net

Fear reigns in CHT
Staff Correspondent 22 September, 2024, 00:28

National minority people of plain land holds a protest rally, demanding justice for the killing and arson attacks on the hill people in Rangamati and Khagrachari, at the Anti-Violence Raju Memorial Sculpture on the University of Dhaka on Saturday. | Md Saurav

Fear reigned supreme in the Chittagong Hill Tracts where life came to an abrupt halt on Saturday following two previous days of sectarian violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati that left four ethnic minority men killed.

Section 144 imposed in parts of the violence-hit districts prevented the situation from worsening, but failed to restore the atmosphere required to bring hundreds of displaced ethnic minority families back to their homes.

The 72-hour road and waterways blockade enforced by a platform led by ethnic minority students left the restive three hilly districts, including Bandarban, completely detached from the rest of the country, further escalating the tension.

Condemnations poured in from socio-political organisations over the situation and the controversial role of the security forces, particularly the military, in escalating the tension instead of mollifying it.

‘The trust that has been broken cannot be so easily amended,’ said Rahel Chakma, a resident of Dighinala in Khagrachhari, the epicentre of the sectarian violence.

Dighinala is the largest upazila in Khagrachari where the sectarian violence flared up on September 19 leading to displacement of most of the largely Buddhist ethnic minority people comprising more than half of the upazila’s population.

Many of the ethnic minority families moved deep into the forests, taking shelter at their relatives in remote hilly villages where they reached after a perilous journey along with their children and elderly family members.

Many of the ethnic minority families left barefoot, leaving all their belongings back in their homes and businesses that were burned down in an arson attack launched by Bengalis on Thursday.

Bangladesh Buddhist Federation estimated that at least 100 shops and houses, mostly owned by their community members, were completely burned down in Dighinala.

Some of the shops also served as homes to ethnic minority families, said locals.

Buddhists temples also came under attack.

‘The return of ethnic minority families who lived in Bengali-dominated areas to their homes is really uncertain,’ said Triratan Chakma, who also sheltered a family in his home in Dighinala.

Dighinala upazila nirbahi officer Md Mamunur Rashid, however, said that he was not aware about any houses being set on fire.

But he admitted that some people did leave their homes out of fear and that effort was on to bring them back.

In Rangamati, ethnic minority people alleged that scores awaited rescue trapped in places where they had sought shelter after clashes broke out between them and Bengalis on Friday morning.

Some of the trapped people were injured.

‘Some of the injured came under another round of attack after we rescued them and took them to the Rangamati hospital,’ said Atul Chakma, a resident of Rangamati town, who was also injured in the attack.

Nipon Tripura, president, Chattogram Hill Tracts Hill Students Council, said that they rescued 200 people trapped in different places in Rangamati town, including in shops, since Friday afternoon.

The situation in Rangamati turned violent on Friday morning all of a sudden when a demonstration consisting of hundreds of ethnic minority people ended up confronting Bengalis at Banarupa.

About 40 houses and establishments belonging to ethnic minorities were set on fire in Rangamati, prompting scores of families to flee for their lives, some of them so scared that they jumped straight into the Karnaphuli River and swam across it.

There were reports about the violence separating children from their mothers who stayed miles away since Friday.

Imposition of section 144 and the 72-hour blockade stood in the ways of the families reuniting.

Local people said that life came to a complete stop in the CHT on Saturday as the movement of all kinds of vehicles to and from the hilly districts remained completely suspended due to the blockade.

The Bus and Launch Owners Association in Rangamati announced an indefinite strike on Saturday, protesting at the destruction of vehicles during the Friday protest.

The identity of the victim who was beaten to death by Bengalis in Rangamati on Friday was confirmed as Anik Chakma.

‘The situation is under control and no clashes took place after Friday,’ said Refat Asma, upazila nirbahi officer, Rangamati sadar upazila, adding that Section 144 was still in effect until Saturday afternoon.

Police and ethnic minority rights activists saw the sectarian violence to have launched over ethnic minorities as they freshly mobilised demanding restoration of democratic practices in the hills, ending of military rule and illegal settlement and full implementation of the CHT peace accord.

The violence was eventually stoked by the discovery of the body of a Bengali, Mamun, on September 18. Newspapers reported that Mamun, who stood accused in several criminal cases, was lynched by a mob.

The September 19 attack on ethnic minorities in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala was launched from a protest procession brought over Mamun’s death by several thousand Bengalis. The sectarian violence spilled over to Rangamati the next day.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, an international independent body, in a statement issued on Saturday said that Bengalis blaming ethnic minorities for the Bengali’s murder was unjust and not proven.

The CHT Comission raised question about the military’s role particularly citing two incidents —one of which is the opening of fire by the military on ethnic minority people at the Swanirbhar, Naranghiya and Upazlipara areas of Khagrachhari sadar.

The other incident, the commission said that is the march of a Bengali mob armed with clubs and sticks behind three military pickups around noon in the Fishery Ghat area of Rangamati. The mob attacked ethnic minorities and their property.

The Inter-Service Public Relations, however, claimed that the violence in Khagrachari was caused by the main faction of the United People’s Democratic Front.

The UPDF denied the allegation saying it was false.

A government team led by the home adviser visited some of the affected areas on Saturday. The adviser promised to deal with the situation with iron hand, a fair probe into the violence and restoration of peace.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh, Left Democratic Alliance, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, National Citizens Committee, Network for Democratic Bangladesh (Europe), Naripokkho, and a group of 45 eminent citizens condemned the sectarian violence and demanded a fair probe into it.

Ethnic minorities in Dhaka held a press conference in front of the Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University, protesting at the incidents in Rangamati and Khagrachari with a 7-point demand, New Age correspondent at the university reported.

They held the event under the banner Bikkhubdho Jumma Chhatra Janata in protest against attacks, arson, looting, vandalism on religious establishments by settler Bengalis with military support in Khagrachari and Rangamati, and shootings by the army that resulted in the killing of four minority people.

The demands included ensuring safety and security of hill people in the three hill districts, especially those affected by communal violence in Khagrachari Sadar, Dighinala, and Rangamati, conducting of an investigation into these recent attacks under the supervision of the United Nations, and ensuring exemplary punishment of those responsible.​

 

[Saif]

CHT violence not an isolated incident: Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that the violence that happened in Rangamati and Khagrachhari hill districts on Friday was not an isolated incident rather it was a conspiracy to destabilise the country. "The violent incident in hill

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CHT violence not an isolated incident: Mirza Fakhrul
FE REPORT
Published :
Sep 22, 2024 09:11
Updated :
Sep 22, 2024 09:11

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday that the violence that happened in Rangamati and Khagrachhari hill districts on Friday was not an isolated incident rather it was a conspiracy to destabilise the country.

"The violent incident in hill tracts (Rangamati and Khagrachari districts) is a part of conspiracy to destabilise the government and the country," he told the media while exchanging views on different issues at the party chairperson's political office at Gulshan in the capital.

Expressing deep concern over the incidents of violence in the hill districts, he said, "The Awami fascist government was ousted by student-mass movement. But the collaborators of the defeated force still engage in creating trouble and anarchy in the country."

"They (collaborators) have been hatching deep conspiracy against the country. The conspirators (collaborators of the fascist Awami League) couldn't accept this historical victory (against Sheikh Hasina) and for this reason they have been continuing the activities of killings and anarchy," he continued.

"The country is yet to become safe fully despite people getting liberated from the terrible misrule of fascist Awami League," he maintained.

He said that the miscreants were desperately trying to destabilise the country. And for this reason they (miscreants) have attacked, killed and injured people in a barbarous style (in Khagrachhari and Rangamati).

"The incidents of heinous attacks on the people in Kgagrachhari and Rangamati are the reflection of the miscreants' desperate attempts to destabilise the country," he maintained.

He said that there was no alternative abut to tackle those miscreants with an iron hand.

He called upon all irrespective of their party affiliation to remain vigilant so that the miscreants could not achieve their goals by carrying out attacks and following the path of bloodshed.

He demanded immediate arrests of those involved in violence in the two hill districts.

He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the victims, conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members and early recovery of the injured people.

Mr Fakhrul Islam Alamgir further said that the caretaker government headed by Dr Muhammd Yunus was formed after discussion with all stakeholders including political parties, students representatives and armed forces.

"They (interim government) are sincere but they lack some experience. However, they will overcome it," he said.

He suggested holding regular meetings between political parties and the interim government aiming to narrow down the existing gap between them ( political parties and the interim government).

He said that the victory on August 5 through students-mass movement has given an opportunity to put the country on the right track.​

 

[Saif]

Crisis deepens as meaningful negotiation eludes CHT

Tension deepened in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with authorities failing as of Sunday to initiate a meaningful negotiation between the national minorities and Bengalis and take proper legal step to...

www.newagebd.net

Crisis deepens as meaningful negotiation eludes CHT
Staff Correspondent 23 September, 2024, 00:34

Army personnel stand guard in Khagrachari district headquarters on Sunday amid road and waterways blockade enforced by national minority groups protesting at the deaths of their fellows in the recent violence. | New Age photo

Tension deepened in the Chittagong Hill Tracts with authorities failing as of Sunday to initiate a meaningful negotiation between the national minorities and Bengalis and take proper legal step to bring the perpetrators of the sectarian violence to book.

The murder case, filed over the death of Mohammad Mamun, 35, on September 19, included three Bengalis as key accused, while mentioned previous enmity as the possible motive, indicating the involvement of a force that turned a rather regular crime into the subject of a violence that rocked the three hill districts.

The police failed to arrest any of the three key accused as of Sunday after failing to contain the violence in the first place though there were witnesses to Mamun’s murder, at least one of them being treated at hospital, according to the murder case.

‘Evidence is there on how the murder was committed and who might be behind it,’ said Kohinoor, Mamun’s sister-in-law, who talked on behalf of Mukta Akter, wife of Mamun who filed the case, as she was too sick to speak.

New Age correspondent in Khagrachari reported that the three key accused in Mamun’s murder are Jubo Dal leader Shakil Ahammad, 37, and two Awami League leaders Rafiqul Alam, 56, and Didarul Alam, 50. Rafiq is a former mayor of Khagrachhari municipality.

The case statement said that Shakil kidnapped Mamun acting on the order of Rafiq and Didar.

Mamun, who the police said stood accused in several criminal cases, was found dead on September 18. The next day several thousand Bengalis brought out a procession in Dighinala protesting at the murder, passing the blame on the national minorities and eventually launching an arson attack gutting nearly 100 shops and houses, mostly belonging to the minorities, and at least one Buddhist temple.

The arson attack forced hundreds of Buddhist families comprising over half of Dighinala’s population to flee for their lives to the forest. Most of them remained hiding in the forest as of Sunday evening at the time of filing of this report.

The Khagrachhari unrest saw three national minority people get killed on September 19 as it spread to Rangamati the next day where one more national minority man was killed and around 50 houses belonging to these communities were vandalised and set on fire.

The violence prompted authorities to impose Section 144 on Friday afternoon on Khagrachhari Sadar and Dighinala upazilas along with Rangamati municipality. The administration in Khagrachari withdrew Section 144 hours later the same day, while in Rangamati it was withdrawn at 11:00am on Sunday.

No cases were filed over the casualties in Khagrachhari until Sunday evening. At least two of the deaths, witnesses and independent human rights observers said, occurred after the military had opened fire on a gathering of the ethnic communities in Khagrachhari sadar.

‘My boy had gone to save a relative’s shop being informed that Bengalis were about to attack Swanirbhar Bazar,’ said Rupsa Chakma, mother of Junan Chakma, who had just turned 21, one of the three dead.

Junan’s family was given Tk 25,000 by the deputy commissioner’s office that promised a fair probe.

Rupsa said that they were yet to decide regarding filing a case over her son’s killing.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, an independent watchdog, in a statement issued on September 21 said that the military opening fire on a gathering of ethnic minority people resulted in casualties.

Khagrachhari additional superintendent of police Tafiqul Alam said that they contacted families of the deceased who were yet to decide over filing of cases.

‘The police will file case over the incidents if the families don’t,’ said Tafiq without mentioning how long the police would wait for the families to complain.

No case was filed over the Dighinala arson as well.

The family of the fourth deceased, also a national minority youth, Anik Chakma, who died in Rangamati on September 20, said that they knew nothing about the murder case filed on September 21 over the death with the Kotwali police.

When contacted, Anik’s father, Adar Sen Chakma, said that he was not aware about a case filed over his son’s death.

‘We had high hopes for Anik. We sent him to Karnaphuli Degree College ignoring all our hardship,’ said Adar.

A case over the arson in Rangamati was filed on September 22 in which the police allegedly made every effort to keep the content of the case a secret.

‘A delicate crisis involving matters of mutual respect and trust cannot be solved like this,’ said Rahel Chakma, a resident of Dighinala.

Residents of Dighinala who left their houses out of fear had not returned as of Sunday evening.

Their hope of returning home faded after the meeting organised between ethnic minorities and Bengalis on Saturday afternoon over the arson attack in Dighinala ended amidst chaos with Bengalis reluctant to let ethnic leaders speak.

‘We were counting on the meeting to find a resolution to the problem through dialogue,’ said Chayan Bikash Chakma, chairman, Boalkhali union parishad, Dighinala.

‘They won’t even listen to us and we had to leave immediately after the meeting started,’ he said.

Several advisers visited the affected districts on Saturday to mollify the situation. At least one of the advisers was present in the Dighinala meeting that yielded no result, according to the ethnic leaders.

National minority people complained on Sunday facing obstacles from Bengalis during their movement.

The three hill districts, including Bandarban, remained detached from the rest of the country as the 72-hour road and waterways blockade that began on Saturday morning continued amidst an indefinite strike being enforced by the Rangamati’s bus and launch association.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Agreement Implementation Movement held a protest rally in front of the National Museum in the capital at around 3:30pm on Sunday, demanding fair investigation into the violence in the CHT by a committee comprising human rights activists and civil society representatives.

Their other demands included ensuring the security of the national minorities in the CHT, compensating the families of the deceased and those who lost their property, treatment of the injured, and full implementation of the 1997 CHT peace accord.

The students of Jagannath University also demonstrated in Dhaka protesting at the unrest in the CHT. The United People’s Democratic Front, regional political party based in the CHT, demanded a probe under the supervision of the United Nations.​

 

[Saif]

Students call for restoration of peace in Chittagong Hill Tracts

A group of students has called for the restoration of peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Under the banner of 'Students Living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts,' they held a protest rally at the base of Dhaka University's anti-terrorism Raju sculpture on Monday. During the public meeting, the studen

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Students call for restoration of peace in Chittagong Hill Tracts
DU CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Sep 23, 2024 21:11
Updated :
Sep 23, 2024 21:11

A group of students has called for the restoration of peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Under the banner of 'Students Living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts,' they held a protest rally at the base of Dhaka University's anti-terrorism Raju sculpture on Monday.

During the public meeting, the students expressed concern over the oppression faced by native Bengalis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. They alleged that a faction seeks to take control of the region by removing military presence, aiming to separate Chatoogram from Bangladesh and create an independent Jummland. They warned that if not addressed, this could lead to the need for visas to access areas like Sajek, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

Rakibul Islam, a Dhaka University student, stated that there are plans to designate Chattogram as the "eighth sister" alongside the Seven Sisters of the Northeast. He asserted that efforts are being made to portray native Bengalis as settlers and pledged to combat any conspiracies aimed at separating the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The students called for the intervention of the army to restore peace in the area.

The protesters displayed placards with slogans such as 'No one is tribal, we are all Bangladeshis,' 'Abolish tribal quota,' and 'Tribal campaigns should be declared treason,' among others.

Later in the evening, they held a torch procession starting from the Raju Sculpture.​