4 deaths in CHT: 44 citizens, rights activists demand immediate arrest of culprits

Forty-four citizens and rights activists of the country today (2 October) demanded the arrest and trial of those responsible for the four deaths in Chittagong Hill Tracts during a round of violence on 18 September. 

Protests and clashes had resulted in the deaths of three people in Khagrachari and one in Rangamati. 

Moreover, many homes of indigenous community members were burned and looted at the time.

The statement said, "We know that on 18 September 2024 in Pankhaiya neighbourhood of Khagrachari Sadar, a youth named Mohammad Mamun (30) was thrashed for allegedly stealing a motorcycle and later died in the hospital. In the case filed by the wife of the deceased Mamun in the police station, the names of the three Bangalis responsible for the murder have been clearly mentioned…"

The statement said the next day clashes broke out between Bangalis and members of the indigenous centring on Mamun's death.

"During this clash, 37 houses and shops of tribals were burnt in Dighinala of Khagrachari district," it said, adding the local community had also complained that those tasked with ensuring security instead helped attackers on indigenous community in various ways. 

"Junan Chakma (20), Dhananjay Chakma (50) and Rubel Chakma (20) were killed... Anik Chakma (17) who was sitting in a tea shop within 200 yards of the DC office was beaten to death [in Rangamati on 20 September]. The killers have been clearly identified in the video footage, but they have not been arrested so far," the statement said. 

"We note with deep concern and indignation the decades after decades of discrimination which the tribal people of the three hill districts, including the tribal people of the entire country, have been subjected to in various economic, social, political, etc fields historically…They are repeatedly deprived of justice. It is inconsistent with the stated goals of the current interim government and inconsistent with the success achieved through the anti-discrimination student uprising."

The statement made five demands, including an impartial and high-level investigation into the clashes, alongside adequate compensation, a timely roadmap of full implementation of the CHT accord and an immediate holding of a roundtable discussion between the home ministry and other stakeholders.

The statement was signed by noted human rights activists Sultana Kamal, Khushi Kabir, TIB Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Barrister Sara Hossain, and photographer Shahidul Alam, among others.