Thursday, 28 August 2008, 11:16 am
Press Release: Survival International
Bangladesh: Jumma Man Killed After Speaking Out Over Land Thefts
Jumma man Ladu Moni Chakma was hacked to death on Tuesday by a group of Bengali settlers at his home in the Sajek area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. His wife, Shanti Bala Chakma, who was also attacked, was taken to hospital.
Local people believe that Ladu Moni Chakma was targeted because he had given information to members of the recently reformed Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission about settlers stealing land from the indigenous tribes of the area.
The eleven tribes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are collectively known as Jummas after their practice of ‘shifting cultivation’, known locally as ‘Jhum’. Hundreds of thousands of settlers have been moved into the Hill Tracts over the last sixty years, displacing the Jumma people and subjecting them to violent repression.
The Bangladesh army has recently intensified its programme to settle Bengalis in the area. In April, settlers, with the support of the military, burnt seven Jumma villages in the Sajek region after disputes over land thefts. Jumma villagers, including women and children, were beaten in the attack.
In 1997 the government and the Jummas signed a peace accord that committed the government to removing military camps from the region and to ending the theft of Jumma land by settlers and the army. The accord offered hope, but military camps remain in the Hill Tracts and violence and land grabbing continue. Abuses have escalated since the declaration of emergency rule in Bangladesh in January 2007.
The international Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC), formed in 1990, was instrumental in informing the world of the gross human rights violations taking place in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It operated until 2001. Now, the CHTC has reformed and has just undertaken a preliminary investigation in the Hill Tracts from 7-10 August 2008. The co-chairs include Vice Chair of the UK Parliamentary Human Rights Group, Lord Avebury, and the eminent Bangladeshi human rights activist, Ms. Sultana Kamal. The commission called on the government to speed up the implementation of the 1997 peace accord.
ENDS
Sources- http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0808/S00337.htm
Thursday, August 28, 2008
PCP organises protest rally at DU campus against the killing of Ladumoni Chakma
On 23 August 2008 Dhaka Metropolitan Unit of Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Students' Council (PCP) organised a demonstration at Dhaka University (DU) campus against the barbarous killing of Ladumoni Chakma alias Jadhu Moni.[pic- dead body of Ladumuni Chakma]
It is mentionable that on 19 August 2008 at 10 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers killed Ladumoni Chakma alias Jadhu Mani chopped to death at Gangaram Mukh in Sajek under Rangamati district. His wife, Shantibala Chakma was also seriously injured while she tried to safe her husband. It is also noteworthy that during the visit of the CHT Commission in CHT from 7-10 August, Ladumoni Chakma gave valuable information about land grabbers and grabbing. Local people suspect that this is the main reason behind on his murder.
The protest rally started from Aparajeyo Bangla at DU at 10:30 a.m. a good number of students from different universities of Dhaka City joined the rally. After moving round arts building twice, the rally stopped at Aparajeyo Bangla. President of Dhaka Metropolitan Unit PCP Korunamoy Chakma presided over the meeting while Rigan Chakma, general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan Unit PCP conducted the meeting. Sohel Hajong, general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Students' Action Forum (BISAF), and Litus Chiran of Bangladesh Garo Students' Association (BAGACHAS) delivered solidarity speech on behalf of their respective organization. Dhaka University teachers, namely, Dr. Sourav Sikder of Linguistic Department, Robayet Ferdaus of Mass Communication and Journalism, Wahiduzzaman of Institute of Education and Research and Mohammad Samad of Social Welfare department also delivered solidarity speech in the protest. Later on Mongsingneo Marma, President of PCP central committee, expressed his concern on the present situation and demanded proper investigation and punishment of perpetrators of Ladumoni killing in his speech. Rigan Chakma put forward the following demand at the end of the meeting-
1) To conduct proper investigation of the incident and to punish Bengali settlers involved with the killing of Ladumoni Chakma.
2) To provide adequate treatment for the injured people.
3) To implement CHT Accord soon.
4) To stop fresh land grabbing by Bengali settlers
5) To withdraw all temporary army camps as per CHT Accord.
6) To form a judicial investigation committee to properly investigate all the genocide and communal attack occurred so far against hill people.
Council of PCP of CU and Ctg. Metropolitan Unit and HWF of CU held in Chittagong
On 22 August 2008 the council of Hill Student Council (PCP) of Chittagong University unit, PCP of Chittagong Metropolitan unit and Hill Women's Federation (HWF) of Chittagong University unit was held at Buddhist Foundation Auditorium in Chittagong. PCJSS representatives Ananda Joyti Chakma, Uddipan Chakma and Chironjib Chakma were present in this council. On behalf of PCP central committee, its president Mongsingneo Marma, general secretary Hiran Mitra Chakma and organizing secretary Udayan Tripura were also present. More than 150 representatives and observers have taken part in this day long council. Finally the council elected the new committees headed by the following individuals for the next 2008-2009 tenure respectively.
Chittagong University Unit PCP: Palash Tanchangya as President, Avilash Chakma as General Secretary and Ajit Chakma as Organizing Secretary.
Chittagong University Unit HWF: Eco Chakma as President, Muktasree Chakma (Swathi) as General Secretary and Paimrasong Marma as Organizing Secretary.
Chittagong Metropolitan Unit PCP: Sharat Joyti Chakma as President, Usongnue Marma as General Secretary and Ratul Chakma as Organizing Secretary
Ms. chanchana Chakma, organizing secretary of HWF Central committee and Udayan Tripura, organizing secretary of PCP Central Committee conducted the oath taking ceremony for their respective organization.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The CHT Peace Accord Keeping a Promise
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission, first formed in 1991, was disbanded after
Lord Eric Avebury
the signing of the CHT Peace Accord in the hope that the treaty would be implemented. According to Lord Eric Avebury, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group, UK, however, only partial implementation occurred and primary difficulties, such as with regard to land, disputes over the possession of land and the presence of the army in the CHT continued. This led to a decision at an international conference in Copenhagen in May of this year, to re-constitute the commission. From August 6-15, the group, co-chaired by Lord Avebury and Sultana Kamal, advocate and human rights activist, visited Bangladesh and the CHT and met with different stakeholders in order to make a preliminary assessment of the situation in the Hill Tracts.
Lord Avebury talked to The Star about the committee's initial impressions about the situation.
Kajalie Shehreen Islam
The Star (TS): What was your general impression of the overall situation in the CHT?
Lord Eric Avebury
the signing of the CHT Peace Accord in the hope that the treaty would be implemented. According to Lord Eric Avebury, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group, UK, however, only partial implementation occurred and primary difficulties, such as with regard to land, disputes over the possession of land and the presence of the army in the CHT continued. This led to a decision at an international conference in Copenhagen in May of this year, to re-constitute the commission. From August 6-15, the group, co-chaired by Lord Avebury and Sultana Kamal, advocate and human rights activist, visited Bangladesh and the CHT and met with different stakeholders in order to make a preliminary assessment of the situation in the Hill Tracts.
Lord Avebury talked to The Star about the committee's initial impressions about the situation.
Kajalie Shehreen Islam
The Star (TS): What was your general impression of the overall situation in the CHT?
Lord Avebury (LA): It is generally recognised that the accord has not been fully implemented and it needs to be pursued. There are problems, particularly with regard to land, disputes over the possession of land and the presence of the army in the CHT. The Land Commission, for example, is dormant, it does not do anything and one of the principal problems in the CHT is disputed ownership of land and sometimes multiple claims to an existing piece of land and there's no manner of resolving this argument. Ostensibly, now new leases of land are not being granted in the CHT but we were told that in fact that rule is not strictly applied and there have been grants of land particularly to senior officials in the previous government and to development companies which are actively involved in horticulture and rubber plantations, for example, and the allocation of the land to these corporations and in one case to an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) are at the expense of the indigenous peoples. Although people say that the CHT is grossly under-populated compared to the rest of Bangladesh (it is constantly being said that 2% of the population occupy 10% of the land), it's not all cultivable and the percentage of the land to be used for agriculture is much more limited than in the plains. You can't just look at the population, you have to consider the amount of arable land.
TS: You met with military personnel in the Hill Tracts as well as with the Chief of Army Staff in Dhaka. What did they have to say about the army presence in the CHT?
TS: You met with military personnel in the Hill Tracts as well as with the Chief of Army Staff in Dhaka. What did they have to say about the army presence in the CHT?
LA: We asked them why the large scale of presence of the army was necessary considering that crime is at a very low level in the CHT compared to the rest of Bangladesh and though there have been incidents of terrorism such as the abduction of aid workers this is not a common phenomenon. We put it to the army, what are the recent events that led you to believe that it is necessary to have this large-scale presence and can you tell us one such event. We were told about the discovery of a cache of arms in the forest on May 11 -- .303 rifles (antiquated weapons which were used when I was in the army 60 years ago) and .22 rifles which I think are sporting rifles used in competitions in the Olympic games and that sort of thing, so it didn't seem that was a good reason to explain the army presence. When we said that this was not particularly significant, we were told that there was large-scale infiltration across the borders from both Burma and India and smuggling of drugs across these countries which need to be prevented. When we suggested that the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) were supposed to be at the frontier the army commander told us that they didn't have sufficient resources to cope with these problems, that the scale of the smuggling of drugs and weapons across the frontiers is so significant that there needs to be army back-up.
TS: Despite the army presence, there are numerous cases of violence against the indigenous people in the hill tracts, including rape and murder. What is the army doing about such crimes?
TS: Despite the army presence, there are numerous cases of violence against the indigenous people in the hill tracts, including rape and murder. What is the army doing about such crimes?
LA: There is a difference of opinion between the indigenous people and the Bangali communities in the CHT. The Bangali communities on the whole supported the presence of the army saying they were there to protect them, while the indigenous people were entirely against it and felt intimidated by the army presence. If you ask the army, they will say they are protecting the whole population. It is constantly emphasised by members of the army that they have peacekeeping experience in foreign countries where they had to look after the interests of minority communities such as in Sarajevo and they claimed that those experiences gave them particular sympathy for the minorities which was applicable in the CHT. But the difference in the opinion of the two communities in the CHT is a source of tension between the communities which is inevitable as long as the army is present.
TS: What is the position of the political parties on the development of the indigenous communities and implementation of the Peace Accord?
LA: I must say there is a certain amount of agreement between the political parties that affirmative action in terms of raising the level of education, health and so on among the indigenous people should be the priority of every government.
With regard to the implementation of the treaty, however, the political parties have a difference of views. The Awami League (AL) believes the treaty should be implemented in full and say that if they come to power that's what they'll do. The Jamaat, on the other hand, told us that they are in favour of affirmative action to bring the level of the indigenous people to the level of the Bangali community. The parties, including Jamaat, are all strong believers in freedom of religion.
But as far as land is concerned they say that Bangladesh is a unitary state and just as an indigenous person can come and buy land in Dhaka, a person from Dhaka can go to the CHT and buy land. They don't recognise the distinction in the treaty between the right to buy or occupy land in the CHT and the rest of Bangladesh. There are international dimensions to this. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed a resolution last September on the rights of indigenous people that was ratified by a large majority of countries which represents the will of the international community. And that does recognise this distinction with regard to the occupation of land. There are quite a few countries where special land rights of the indigenous people are recognised such as of the people of the Amazon in Brazil, the aborigines in Australia, the Maori community in New Zealand, where they are given special occupation rights to large stretches of land which they historically enjoyed. There need to be territories in which indigenous people do have special occupation of land rights and that's in the '97 accord.
TS: How do you think the internal conflict between the pro-treaty Jatiyo Sanghati Samity (JSS) and anti-treaty United People's Democratic Forum (UPDF) may be resolved?
LA: The JSS and UPDF have to sit and talk, they are not committed to talking, which is one of the main problems that we face; you don't get anywhere by not talking
As for the demands, it is a matter of the people of Bangladesh. If the demands are made on top of what is provided in the treaty and seem to be excessive to the political parties and the electorate then when the matter gets put to the vote in December, they will not be accepted. The treaty, however, is not set in stone and there may be matters which have arisen since the treaty which people would agree can be added to it. For example, with regard to the Land Commission, there need to be ground rules and rules of procedure which determine the way you solve disputes; most people would agree that that would be a sensible addition to the treaty.
TS: What is the next step for the CHT Commission and what are your hopes about the overall situation in the Hill Tracts?
LA: Many problems remain to be solved but they are not insoluble. This was a preparatory visit. There will be another visit. We will not be able to make any report based on this preliminary assessment, it would be premature. We do not want to draw conclusions based on insufficient evidence. We will have to decide how we will gather further information on the situation in the CHT, which will be analysed and made into a series of recommendations which will be put to the government. The process may take months, over which period of time we will observe the trends in the CHT and whether the existing problems continue.
In every society there are differences of opinion that need to be resolved by political means. With regard to the CHT, the surprising degree of unanimity on the implementation of the accord is a very hopeful sign. The differences of opinion with regard to land, etc., can be resolved not to the satisfaction of every individual but at least in terms of the majority and it'll be interesting to see in the forthcoming elections whether this is a matter of discussion. More than the caretaker government, change in the CHT will depend on the political government which comes to power. We should not ignore the unity of the commitment on the full implementation of the accord.
Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS! BREAKING NEWS!
One Jumma villager killed by Bengali settlers in Sajek
On 19 August 2008 a group of Bengali settlers made an attack on the house of Jadhu Mani Chakma (45) s/o Kusum Kumar Chakma of Gangaram Mukh of Sajek union under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Jadhu Mani Chakma was chopped to death in this attack.
It is learnt that on that day around 10.00 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers led by Jahar Ali s/o Asaniya Ali encircled the house of Jadhu Mani Chakma and then chopped Jadhu Mani Chakma and his wife Shanti Bala Chakma (35) in front of the house. Jadhu Mani Chakma was killed while his wife Shanti Bala Chakma got admitted at Khagrachari sadar hospital. It is also reported that during the visit of the CHT Commission, Jadhu Mohan gave valuable information about land grabbers and grabbing. Local people suspect that this is the main reason behind on his murder.
Another two culprits were identified as Md. Noor Alam s/o Julfu Mia and Md. Ali s/o Nasar Ali helped Jahar Ali.
It is mentionable that military forces undertook programme to settle down Bengali settlers along the road side of Baghaihat-Sajek road evicting indigenous Jumma villagers. Bengali settlers with the help of military forces burnt to ashes 7 Jumma villages in Sajek on 20 April to occupy Jumma villagers' land. Very recently on 9 August, Hriday Ranjan Chakma (70) s/o Ramani Mohan Chakma was also chopped by Bengali settlers just after the visit of CHT Commission at this area.
Reported by Kapaeeng Watch
On 19 August 2008 a group of Bengali settlers made an attack on the house of Jadhu Mani Chakma (45) s/o Kusum Kumar Chakma of Gangaram Mukh of Sajek union under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Jadhu Mani Chakma was chopped to death in this attack.
It is learnt that on that day around 10.00 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers led by Jahar Ali s/o Asaniya Ali encircled the house of Jadhu Mani Chakma and then chopped Jadhu Mani Chakma and his wife Shanti Bala Chakma (35) in front of the house. Jadhu Mani Chakma was killed while his wife Shanti Bala Chakma got admitted at Khagrachari sadar hospital. It is also reported that during the visit of the CHT Commission, Jadhu Mohan gave valuable information about land grabbers and grabbing. Local people suspect that this is the main reason behind on his murder.
Another two culprits were identified as Md. Noor Alam s/o Julfu Mia and Md. Ali s/o Nasar Ali helped Jahar Ali.
It is mentionable that military forces undertook programme to settle down Bengali settlers along the road side of Baghaihat-Sajek road evicting indigenous Jumma villagers. Bengali settlers with the help of military forces burnt to ashes 7 Jumma villages in Sajek on 20 April to occupy Jumma villagers' land. Very recently on 9 August, Hriday Ranjan Chakma (70) s/o Ramani Mohan Chakma was also chopped by Bengali settlers just after the visit of CHT Commission at this area.
Reported by Kapaeeng Watch
Continued tension in Sajek: One Jumma Killed
The illegal settlers last night kidnapped and murdered a Jumma villager in Sajek under Rangamati district. The incident comes barely nine days after a settler attack on the village of Gangaram Mukh in the area.
Sources from Khagrachari said a group of about 35 illegal settlers backed by army personnel from Baghaihat zone raided the house Jadu Moni Chakma, 55, in the village of Retkaba Doar at about 9:30 p.m. and forced him out at dagger's point.
Three of the settlers, with their faces under cover, entered the house while the others remained outside. At some distance, there were a few dozen army personnel providing protection to them.
Jadu Moni Chakma's wife was hurt when the settlers hit her with a sharp knife.
His dead body was recovered in the morning today from a place barely 40 - 45 yards from ECB army camp at Gangaram Doar. The army immediately seized the dead body and sent it to Khagrachari hospital.
Our correspondent from Khagrachari said the army personnel had cordoned off the hospital, and no Jumma had been allowed to enter it.
HWF leader Rina Dewan said "we went to see the dead body, but the army refused to allow us in."
General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, Mithun Chakma, who contacted some of the villagers in Sajek after the incident, quoted eyewitnesses as saying that there were cut marks all over the body of the victim.
According to him some of the attackers have been identified as Mohammad Ali, 28, s/o Nachor Ali; Dulal, 24, s/o Noor Alam; Nurul Alam, 24, s/o Jolpu Mian and husband of Mohammad Ali's sister.
Quoting the villagers, the DYF leader further said a few days ago, these settlers had built houses on the land of Jadu Moni Chakma, but the Jummas had dismantled them.
The Hill Students Council, Hill Women's Federation and Democratic Youth Forum are scheduled to hold a protest rally on Dhaka University campus tomorrow.
chtnews.com
News No. 140/2008, August 20, 2008
Sources from Khagrachari said a group of about 35 illegal settlers backed by army personnel from Baghaihat zone raided the house Jadu Moni Chakma, 55, in the village of Retkaba Doar at about 9:30 p.m. and forced him out at dagger's point.
Three of the settlers, with their faces under cover, entered the house while the others remained outside. At some distance, there were a few dozen army personnel providing protection to them.
Jadu Moni Chakma's wife was hurt when the settlers hit her with a sharp knife.
His dead body was recovered in the morning today from a place barely 40 - 45 yards from ECB army camp at Gangaram Doar. The army immediately seized the dead body and sent it to Khagrachari hospital.
Our correspondent from Khagrachari said the army personnel had cordoned off the hospital, and no Jumma had been allowed to enter it.
HWF leader Rina Dewan said "we went to see the dead body, but the army refused to allow us in."
General Secretary of the Democratic Youth Forum, Mithun Chakma, who contacted some of the villagers in Sajek after the incident, quoted eyewitnesses as saying that there were cut marks all over the body of the victim.
According to him some of the attackers have been identified as Mohammad Ali, 28, s/o Nachor Ali; Dulal, 24, s/o Noor Alam; Nurul Alam, 24, s/o Jolpu Mian and husband of Mohammad Ali's sister.
Quoting the villagers, the DYF leader further said a few days ago, these settlers had built houses on the land of Jadu Moni Chakma, but the Jummas had dismantled them.
The Hill Students Council, Hill Women's Federation and Democratic Youth Forum are scheduled to hold a protest rally on Dhaka University campus tomorrow.
chtnews.com
News No. 140/2008, August 20, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Kapaeeng Watch News Release on Situation of IPs in Bangladesh: 18 August 2008
Bengali settlers blockade Sultana Kamal at Baghaihat in Rangamati
On 2 August 2008 the Bengali settlers blockaded former advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh and eminent human rights activist Ms. Sultana Kamal while she was returning from Sajek after distribution of relief to the victims of Sajek arson attack at Baghaihat bazaar under Sajek union of Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district.
Santal students demand higher quota
On 1 August 2008 Santal Students' Union (SASU) in Rajshahi called on the caretaker government to increase quota of indigenous students at all educational institutions, including the university. SASU, Rajshahi city unit organised the discussion at the Caritas auditorium to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
3 indigenous people innocent not robbers- Claim relatives
On 3 August 2008 at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) auditorium, the relatives of the victims alleged that three indigenous people of Lambaghona village under Teknaf Police Station have been awarded punishment as the loggers handed them over to the police station terming them as robbers. They said distorted reports have been published in different newspapers against them on July 31 and August 1, adding that the newspapers wrote three armed robbers were arrested in Teknaf following a gun battle with the police.
International Indigenous People Day observed in Bangladesh
On 9 August 2008 Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) organised elaborate programmes including discussion, seminar, rally, fair, film show, photography exhibition and traditional dance programmes to mark international day of world's indigenous peoples in Dhaka. The programme was inaugurated by advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh on Primary & Mass Education and Culture Ms. Rasheda K Chowdhury at 10.00 a.m. while advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh on Law and Land A F Hassan Arif attended the discussion meeting at afternoon session at 4.00 p.m. as chief guest.
Indigenous peoples' day was also observed in different districts, such as, Rajshahi, Tangail, Mymensingh, Khagrachari, Rangamati etc. Indigenous peoples demanded formation of a separate land commission, implementation of CHT Peace Accord, ensuring their land rights and protecting their culture.
Protect indigenous people to save forests- Speakers call at BAPA seminar
On 8 August 18, 2008 a seminar titled 'Environmental degradation in forest: Socio-economic crisis of indigenous people' was organised by the Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) at WVA auditorium in Dhaka. Speakers at a seminar called for protecting indigenous people to save forests of the country. They said the indigenous people are the part of the forests and they know how to protect them..
Call to ensure rights of ethnic minorities
On 13 August 2008 a two-day festival marking International Day of the World's Indigenous People began in Dinajpur on Wednesday. Ethnic minority communities living on the plain land and hill districts took part in the festival with a call for all to respect the rights of the ethnic minority groups. The speakers demanded introduction of schooling in their mother tongue as the dropout rate of ethnic minority students was high.
Protect rights of ethnic people- Speakers urge media
On 14 August 2008 a roundtable titled 'Bridging the gap between media and ethnic communities' was organised by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) at Madhupur in Tangail. Speakers at the roundtable stressed the need for proactive role of the media to protect the rights of ethnic communities through projecting their sufferings. They said the media could be used as a powerful tool of disseminating information about the ethnic groups and drawing attention of the policymakers to resolve their problems.
On 2 August 2008 the Bengali settlers blockaded former advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh and eminent human rights activist Ms. Sultana Kamal while she was returning from Sajek after distribution of relief to the victims of Sajek arson attack at Baghaihat bazaar under Sajek union of Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district.
Santal students demand higher quota
On 1 August 2008 Santal Students' Union (SASU) in Rajshahi called on the caretaker government to increase quota of indigenous students at all educational institutions, including the university. SASU, Rajshahi city unit organised the discussion at the Caritas auditorium to mark the International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
3 indigenous people innocent not robbers- Claim relatives
On 3 August 2008 at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) auditorium, the relatives of the victims alleged that three indigenous people of Lambaghona village under Teknaf Police Station have been awarded punishment as the loggers handed them over to the police station terming them as robbers. They said distorted reports have been published in different newspapers against them on July 31 and August 1, adding that the newspapers wrote three armed robbers were arrested in Teknaf following a gun battle with the police.
International Indigenous People Day observed in Bangladesh
On 9 August 2008 Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) organised elaborate programmes including discussion, seminar, rally, fair, film show, photography exhibition and traditional dance programmes to mark international day of world's indigenous peoples in Dhaka. The programme was inaugurated by advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh on Primary & Mass Education and Culture Ms. Rasheda K Chowdhury at 10.00 a.m. while advisor to the caretaker government of Bangladesh on Law and Land A F Hassan Arif attended the discussion meeting at afternoon session at 4.00 p.m. as chief guest.
Indigenous peoples' day was also observed in different districts, such as, Rajshahi, Tangail, Mymensingh, Khagrachari, Rangamati etc. Indigenous peoples demanded formation of a separate land commission, implementation of CHT Peace Accord, ensuring their land rights and protecting their culture.
Protect indigenous people to save forests- Speakers call at BAPA seminar
On 8 August 18, 2008 a seminar titled 'Environmental degradation in forest: Socio-economic crisis of indigenous people' was organised by the Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) at WVA auditorium in Dhaka. Speakers at a seminar called for protecting indigenous people to save forests of the country. They said the indigenous people are the part of the forests and they know how to protect them..
Call to ensure rights of ethnic minorities
On 13 August 2008 a two-day festival marking International Day of the World's Indigenous People began in Dinajpur on Wednesday. Ethnic minority communities living on the plain land and hill districts took part in the festival with a call for all to respect the rights of the ethnic minority groups. The speakers demanded introduction of schooling in their mother tongue as the dropout rate of ethnic minority students was high.
Protect rights of ethnic people- Speakers urge media
On 14 August 2008 a roundtable titled 'Bridging the gap between media and ethnic communities' was organised by Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) at Madhupur in Tangail. Speakers at the roundtable stressed the need for proactive role of the media to protect the rights of ethnic communities through projecting their sufferings. They said the media could be used as a powerful tool of disseminating information about the ethnic groups and drawing attention of the policymakers to resolve their problems.
Kapaeeng Watch News Release on situation of IPs in Bangladesh: 31 July 2008
Report on Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh
PCMS and HWF organise roundtable on national women dev policy and indigenous women's rights
On 18 July 2008 Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samiti (PCMS) and Hill Women's Federation (HWF) jointly organised roundtable conference on national women development policy and indigenous women's rights at VIP Lounge of national press club in Dhaka. Presided over by vice president of PCMS Ms. Jyotiprova Larma, the roundtable was attended by president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Aiyesha Khanam, general secretary of Bangladesh Economics Association Abul Barakat, Dhaka University teacher Dr. Sadek Halim and Dr. Meghna Guhathagurta, women affairs secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Dr. Dipumoni, president of Karmajibi Nari Ms. Shirin Akhter, human rights activist Rosaline Costa, president of Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samity Madhabi Lata Chakma, general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong and president of Dhaka Journalist Association Shah Alamgir as discussant.
On behalf of PCMS and HWF, Nishi Dewan read out a paper on national women development policy and indigenous women's rights. General Secretary of HWF Ms. Shashwati Chakma conducted the roundtable.
The speakers of the conference urged the indigenous women to launch a united movement with the mainstream organisations to establish the rights of the indigenous women. They urged the major political parties to incorporate the issue of rights of the ethnic minority groups in their respective manifestos. The speakers criticised the government for not taking into consideration the indigenous women's rights while formulating the National Women Development Policy 2008.
The PCMS and HWF placed a 10-point charter of demands that included followings-
(1) To insert a separate clause in the National Women Development Policy specifying the rights of the indigenous women;
(2) To take opinions from indigenous women's organisations for the same;
(3) To reserve seat in the parliament for the indigenous women;
(4) To introduce reserved seats in the local government bodies for indigenous wome;
(5) To ensure participation of the indigenous women in local and national developments;
(6) To undertake special measure for education of indigenous women and introduce primary education through mother tongue for indigenous children;
(7) To generate employments for indigenous women;
(8) To provide special training to promote interpreteneurs for indigenous women and provide loans with less interest or without interest;
(9) To take special measure for stopping violence against indigenous women; and
(10) To implement policy agenda of PRSP with an aim to ensure socio-economic development of indigenous women.
Rat Invasion: Hill people still suffer from food shortage
The Daily Star, Friday, 25 July 2008
Indigenous people in many remote villages in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) will have to suffer from lack of food grains for at least two more months until the next harvest if the government does not provide them with food. Many families in the CHT districts including Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati are now living on wild potato, arum and green leaves after rats invaded the areas last year and early this year and destroyed all their crops leading to this famine-like situation.
The government and donor agencies provided them with rice immediately after the rat invasion, but that was adequate for only a month or two, they said, adding that the next harvest is due in October. "It has become very hard for us to buy rice at Tk 30 per kg as we do not have any income here," said Thiam Khub, a Bowm from Ruma Thanchi village.
People in Darjeelingpara, a Bowm village at the foot of the Keokradong, are living on boiled pumpkin leaves and rice. The family of Karbari (the village chief) said none in the villages can afford boiled leaves and rice more than twice a day. They said initially they bought rice selling their cattle and poultry. But now most of them have nothing left to sell.
Following bamboo blossoming last year rats invaded many CHT areas and destroyed almost everything edible. This forced many indigenous people to leave their villages. Talking to the people from Ruma Thanchi, Sungsangpara, Anandapara, Wykangpara, it was learnt that rats ate all their rice, ginger, maize, turmeric, peppers, pumpkins, oil seeds and cotton.
The government provided each family with 15 kg rice while the UNDP and World Food Programme provided 30 kg rice per family in the affected areas, the locals said. But the aid exhausted within two months or just one month in the case of a bigger family, they said.
Mostly Bawm, Marma, Tripura and Murung communities live in these remote villages. These people generally grow everything they need and just have to buy kerosene and salt from the market.
Thiam Khub now works in the jum and weaves. He said he can weave a "thurang" in two days and sell it for Tk 100 at Ruma Bazar, about eight hours' walk from his village. But with this amount he can hardly buy 3 kgs of rice. "I am having a very hard time because if I weave thurang, I cannot work on jum," he said. "We have already sold most of the cattle in our village to buy rice. Many of us now have nothing to sell and are living on wild potatoes, arum or other wild roots," said Chandiram Tripura of Anandapara.
About the relation between rat infestation and bamboo blooming, wildlife expert Dr Reza Khan said rats lose their habitats when bamboo plants die after blooming. "So, the rats come out of the bamboo bushes and attack crops," he said.
As bamboo generally blooms in 20-40 years, he suggested cleaning the bamboo bushes accordingly so that bamboo cannot bloom..
Involvement of ethnic minorities demanded to conserve forests
New Age, Dhaka, Friday, 25 July 2008
Academics, experts and environmentalists on Thursday stressed the need for amendment to the 81-year-old forest act by ensuring participation of the ethnic minority community people living in the forests for its effective conservation. They observed that the forest laws had become outdated and conservation of forests would not be possible without ensuring active participation of the ethnic minorities living there.
'The rights of adivasis to forests must be ensured through amendment to the forest laws,' Syeda Rizwana Chowdhury Hassan, programme director of the Bangladesh Environment Lawyers' Association, told a workshop on 'Madhupur Shal Forest and Rights of Adivasis' at CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. The association arranged the workshop in collaboration with Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad.
'According to the preamble of the Forest Act 1927, the goal of the laws was not to conserve the forest. The law was formulated to serve the interest of the colonial rulers. It must be changed as it hinders the conservation process,' she said. She called upon the government to formulate laws that would institutionalise the rights of the ethnic minorities. The government's step to replace shal trees with alien species such as eucalyptus and acacia were resulting in gradual disappearance of Madhupur Shal Forest, she observed.
Special assistant to the chief adviser Raja Debashis Roy said the government was mulling over brining amendment to in the forest laws. He urged all to create awareness among all of the issues so that the political governments could take effective steps to conserve the forests and ensure the rights of the ethnic minorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Ain-o-Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal said, 'The adivasis have remained deprived of justice for long both from the society and the state. Unless the rights of the people living in the forest can be analysed and understood properly, the problems will not be solved.'
Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies said ethnic minority community people living in the forests need to be involved with the conservation of forests.
Presenting a slide show on the rights of ethnic minorities on the forest laws, Professor Sadeka Halim said, 'Amendment to the Forest Act 1927 to provide different types of co-management should be done after consultation with the adivasis living in the forests and the civil society.' A proper review of land ownership and variety of other ownerships since the British rule and customary ownership is the prerequisite to the implementation of the social afforestation programme, she added.
Conducted by Nijera Kari coordinator Khushi Kabir, the workshop was also addressed by former lawmaker Promod Mankin, adivasi leader Subhas Jeng Chaam, filmmaker Ronald Halder, Modhupur upazila nirbahi officer M Parvez Rahim, forest department director Shah-e-Alam and adivasi leader Sanjeeb Drong. Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad president Ajoy A Mree delivered the welcome speech.
Indigenous students demand higher quota in institutions
The Daily Star, Saturday, 26 July 2008
Adibasi Students' Association in Rajshahi University, an organisation for indigenous students, at a freshers' reception held at the university central cafeteria on Thursday urged the caretaker government for increasing quota of indigenous students at all educational institutions including the university. Association president Mukul Kisko presided the reception while it was attended by former president Arab Toppo as chief guest and former executive member Dipok Ekka as special guest.
Indigenous students demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring rights to education in their mother language. They urged the government to form a body to look into their problems including those of underprivileged communities.
They demanded an equal opportunity like Bangalee students in educational and other government sectors. They urged the university authorities to ensure residential facilities for them as well as increasing their scholarships.
PCMS and HWF organise roundtable on national women dev policy and indigenous women's rights
On 18 July 2008 Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samiti (PCMS) and Hill Women's Federation (HWF) jointly organised roundtable conference on national women development policy and indigenous women's rights at VIP Lounge of national press club in Dhaka. Presided over by vice president of PCMS Ms. Jyotiprova Larma, the roundtable was attended by president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Aiyesha Khanam, general secretary of Bangladesh Economics Association Abul Barakat, Dhaka University teacher Dr. Sadek Halim and Dr. Meghna Guhathagurta, women affairs secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Dr. Dipumoni, president of Karmajibi Nari Ms. Shirin Akhter, human rights activist Rosaline Costa, president of Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samity Madhabi Lata Chakma, general secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong and president of Dhaka Journalist Association Shah Alamgir as discussant.
On behalf of PCMS and HWF, Nishi Dewan read out a paper on national women development policy and indigenous women's rights. General Secretary of HWF Ms. Shashwati Chakma conducted the roundtable.
The speakers of the conference urged the indigenous women to launch a united movement with the mainstream organisations to establish the rights of the indigenous women. They urged the major political parties to incorporate the issue of rights of the ethnic minority groups in their respective manifestos. The speakers criticised the government for not taking into consideration the indigenous women's rights while formulating the National Women Development Policy 2008.
The PCMS and HWF placed a 10-point charter of demands that included followings-
(1) To insert a separate clause in the National Women Development Policy specifying the rights of the indigenous women;
(2) To take opinions from indigenous women's organisations for the same;
(3) To reserve seat in the parliament for the indigenous women;
(4) To introduce reserved seats in the local government bodies for indigenous wome;
(5) To ensure participation of the indigenous women in local and national developments;
(6) To undertake special measure for education of indigenous women and introduce primary education through mother tongue for indigenous children;
(7) To generate employments for indigenous women;
(8) To provide special training to promote interpreteneurs for indigenous women and provide loans with less interest or without interest;
(9) To take special measure for stopping violence against indigenous women; and
(10) To implement policy agenda of PRSP with an aim to ensure socio-economic development of indigenous women.
Rat Invasion: Hill people still suffer from food shortage
The Daily Star, Friday, 25 July 2008
Indigenous people in many remote villages in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) will have to suffer from lack of food grains for at least two more months until the next harvest if the government does not provide them with food. Many families in the CHT districts including Bandarban, Khagrachhari and Rangamati are now living on wild potato, arum and green leaves after rats invaded the areas last year and early this year and destroyed all their crops leading to this famine-like situation.
The government and donor agencies provided them with rice immediately after the rat invasion, but that was adequate for only a month or two, they said, adding that the next harvest is due in October. "It has become very hard for us to buy rice at Tk 30 per kg as we do not have any income here," said Thiam Khub, a Bowm from Ruma Thanchi village.
People in Darjeelingpara, a Bowm village at the foot of the Keokradong, are living on boiled pumpkin leaves and rice. The family of Karbari (the village chief) said none in the villages can afford boiled leaves and rice more than twice a day. They said initially they bought rice selling their cattle and poultry. But now most of them have nothing left to sell.
Following bamboo blossoming last year rats invaded many CHT areas and destroyed almost everything edible. This forced many indigenous people to leave their villages. Talking to the people from Ruma Thanchi, Sungsangpara, Anandapara, Wykangpara, it was learnt that rats ate all their rice, ginger, maize, turmeric, peppers, pumpkins, oil seeds and cotton.
The government provided each family with 15 kg rice while the UNDP and World Food Programme provided 30 kg rice per family in the affected areas, the locals said. But the aid exhausted within two months or just one month in the case of a bigger family, they said.
Mostly Bawm, Marma, Tripura and Murung communities live in these remote villages. These people generally grow everything they need and just have to buy kerosene and salt from the market.
Thiam Khub now works in the jum and weaves. He said he can weave a "thurang" in two days and sell it for Tk 100 at Ruma Bazar, about eight hours' walk from his village. But with this amount he can hardly buy 3 kgs of rice. "I am having a very hard time because if I weave thurang, I cannot work on jum," he said. "We have already sold most of the cattle in our village to buy rice. Many of us now have nothing to sell and are living on wild potatoes, arum or other wild roots," said Chandiram Tripura of Anandapara.
About the relation between rat infestation and bamboo blooming, wildlife expert Dr Reza Khan said rats lose their habitats when bamboo plants die after blooming. "So, the rats come out of the bamboo bushes and attack crops," he said.
As bamboo generally blooms in 20-40 years, he suggested cleaning the bamboo bushes accordingly so that bamboo cannot bloom..
Involvement of ethnic minorities demanded to conserve forests
New Age, Dhaka, Friday, 25 July 2008
Academics, experts and environmentalists on Thursday stressed the need for amendment to the 81-year-old forest act by ensuring participation of the ethnic minority community people living in the forests for its effective conservation. They observed that the forest laws had become outdated and conservation of forests would not be possible without ensuring active participation of the ethnic minorities living there.
'The rights of adivasis to forests must be ensured through amendment to the forest laws,' Syeda Rizwana Chowdhury Hassan, programme director of the Bangladesh Environment Lawyers' Association, told a workshop on 'Madhupur Shal Forest and Rights of Adivasis' at CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka. The association arranged the workshop in collaboration with Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad.
'According to the preamble of the Forest Act 1927, the goal of the laws was not to conserve the forest. The law was formulated to serve the interest of the colonial rulers. It must be changed as it hinders the conservation process,' she said. She called upon the government to formulate laws that would institutionalise the rights of the ethnic minorities. The government's step to replace shal trees with alien species such as eucalyptus and acacia were resulting in gradual disappearance of Madhupur Shal Forest, she observed.
Special assistant to the chief adviser Raja Debashis Roy said the government was mulling over brining amendment to in the forest laws. He urged all to create awareness among all of the issues so that the political governments could take effective steps to conserve the forests and ensure the rights of the ethnic minorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Ain-o-Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal said, 'The adivasis have remained deprived of justice for long both from the society and the state. Unless the rights of the people living in the forest can be analysed and understood properly, the problems will not be solved.'
Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies said ethnic minority community people living in the forests need to be involved with the conservation of forests.
Presenting a slide show on the rights of ethnic minorities on the forest laws, Professor Sadeka Halim said, 'Amendment to the Forest Act 1927 to provide different types of co-management should be done after consultation with the adivasis living in the forests and the civil society.' A proper review of land ownership and variety of other ownerships since the British rule and customary ownership is the prerequisite to the implementation of the social afforestation programme, she added.
Conducted by Nijera Kari coordinator Khushi Kabir, the workshop was also addressed by former lawmaker Promod Mankin, adivasi leader Subhas Jeng Chaam, filmmaker Ronald Halder, Modhupur upazila nirbahi officer M Parvez Rahim, forest department director Shah-e-Alam and adivasi leader Sanjeeb Drong. Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad president Ajoy A Mree delivered the welcome speech.
Indigenous students demand higher quota in institutions
The Daily Star, Saturday, 26 July 2008
Adibasi Students' Association in Rajshahi University, an organisation for indigenous students, at a freshers' reception held at the university central cafeteria on Thursday urged the caretaker government for increasing quota of indigenous students at all educational institutions including the university. Association president Mukul Kisko presided the reception while it was attended by former president Arab Toppo as chief guest and former executive member Dipok Ekka as special guest.
Indigenous students demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring rights to education in their mother language. They urged the government to form a body to look into their problems including those of underprivileged communities.
They demanded an equal opportunity like Bangalee students in educational and other government sectors. They urged the university authorities to ensure residential facilities for them as well as increasing their scholarships.
Kapaeeng Watch News Release on CHT Situation: 12 August 2008
8 Islamic militants held in Bandarban
On 5 August 2008 eight Islamic militants belong to 'Islami Samaj' aged between 18 and 50 years were arrested by intelligence officials when they were distributing leaflets at Bandarban District and Sessions Judge's Court premises. They were handed over to Bandarban police station and sent Bandarban jail.
The arrested militants are identified as Solaiman Kabir, Syed Ahmed Kabir, Abu Bakar Siddique, Nazmul Haque Rana, Abul Bashar, Khaled Saifullah Mamun, Habibur Rahman and Abu Hanif who came from Comilla, Sherpur, Noakhali, Shariatpur, Jamalpur and Tangail districts. They said they joined Islami Samaj a few months ago. They also added that they do not obey any man-made law and will not seek permission to distribute leaflets. They said that they were visiting different districts taking permission from Allah.
The militants said that they held a meeting earlier in the day with a teacher of Bandarban College and gave him some leaflets for distributing among the teachers and students. However, they claimed that they have no connection with the militants of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who kill people.
It is mentionable that the state policy of Islamisation in CHT helps to grow strong underground base of Islamic extremists in hilly region of CHT. By taking the advantage of state policy of Islamisation, Islamic extremist group including JMB, Huji and Rohinga separatists set up base camps and training centres in the deep forest of CHT, particularly Naikkyongchari, Lama and Alikadam upazilas under Bandarban district without facing hard difficulties. The militants, who were arrested from CHT after the bomb blast through out the country in August 2005, admitted that there were several training camps and hundreds of members in three hill districts of CHT and thousands of jihadis had been trained from these training camps.
Jumma village attacked by Bengali settlers at Gangaram Duar in Sajek
On 9 August 2008 at around 11.00 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers numbering 12/15 persons made an attack on Jumma houses at Gangaram Duar of Sajek union under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Bengali settlers beat the villagers and looted the valuables of houses. At least 6 Jumma villagers were wounded in this attack. One of wounded persons got admitted first at MSF hospital at Sajek and later transferred to Khagrachari hospital with serious injuries. The following Jumma villagers were wounded-
1) Mr. Buddhadhan Chakma (60) s/o Surendra Chakma was beaten and his house was looted.
2) Mr. Kaloketu Chakma (68) s/o Rajendra Chakma was beaten.
3) Mr. Joyanta Chakma (70) s/o unknown was brutally beaten.
4) Mr. Tungkala Chakma (42) s/o Rai Mohan Chakma was beaten.
5) Mr. Mukul Kumar Chakma (50) s/o Suresh Swapan Chakma was beaten.
6) Mr. Hriday Ranjan Chakma (70) s/o Ramani Mohan Chakma was chopped by sharp lethal weapon and one of hands was broken. He got admitted at MSF hospital. His house was also looted.
It is learnt that at day time a quarrel was happened between Bengali settlers and Jumma villagers at Baghaihat bazaar. In retaliation to this incident, the Bengali settlers along with few army personnel attacked the said village. The attack was led by (1) Habilder Shariful from Baghaichari army zone, (2) Md. Nasim Dactor, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar, (3) Md. Rafiq, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar, (4) Rahman, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar and (5) Ali, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar.
Land owned by Jumma occupied by Bengali settlers in Bandarban
On 10 August 2008 a group of Bengali settlers occupied land owned by Jumma people at Kyaching Karbari Para under Bandarban sadar upazila in Bandarban district.
It is learnt that on that day at around 3.00 a.m. Bengali settlers led by Kazi Mujibur Rahman, secretary of district Awami League and also vice president of army-backed extreme Bengali nationalist and fanatic organisation named Sama Odhikar Andolon constructed 12 houses on land of Kyaching Karbari. Following the forcibly occupation of land, Kyaching Karbari filed a case with judicial magistrate court of Bandarban district on 11 August. In addition, he also lodged a case against the Bengali settlers with Bandarban police station. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of police station called both parties i.e. land owner Kyaching Karbari and Bengali settlers. But astonishingly he, instead of eviction of Bengali settlers from forcibly occupied land, only ordered Bengali settlers not to further expand occupation land and construction of house.
It is mentionable that Bengali settlers constructed at least 150 houses occupying around 4 acre of land owned by Kyaching Karbari during last 3 years. Kyaching Karbari lodged a case against the land grabbers at that time. Court ordered to maintain status quo. But violating the court order, the Bengali settlers constructed 12 houses further occupying land of Kyaching Karbari. It is also reported that a mosque and a school were constructed in this area with financial help of Bandarban army brigade 6 months ago. Kyaching Karbari has around 30 acre of land in this area.
CHT Commission urges government to speed up CHT Accord execution
On 14 August 2008 in a press conference held at national press club in Dhaka, the CHT Commission (CHTC) urged the government to speed up the implementation of the CHT Accord of 1997 and to take early measures to activate the land commission and the refugee rehabilitation task force.
It is mentionable that the twelve-member CHTC was re-constituted in a meeting held on 31 May and 1 June 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are three co-chairs of the newly constituted CHTC. They are member of the Upper House of the UK Parliament and vice chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group of UK Lord Eric Avebury, former advisor ro caretaker government of Bangladesh and eminent human rights activist Ms. Sultana Kamal and indigenous people expert from Denmark Dr. Eda Nicolson.
CHTC visited three hill districts of the CHT from 7-10 August 2008 to observe the prevailing situation of the region and help promote human rights, democratic practices and land rights of indigenous people. They talked to the advisors to the caretaker government, chairmen-members of the CHTRC and three HDCs, civil and military officials, representatives of permanent residents of CHT both indigenous Jumma and Bengali peoples, leaders of Bengali settlers, political and traditional leaders, civil society members, public representatives in CHT and Dhaka during the visit. They also visited Baghaihat and Sajek area under Baghaichari upazila where arson attack was made on 7 indigenous Jumma vilages by Bengali settlers, land dispute areas of Karalyachari under Mahalchari, Twi-tilla and 4 Kilometre area on Dighinala-Baghaichari road and Baragram in Dighinala.
After completing the visit, CHTC organised this press conference where its co-chairs Lord Eric Avebury and Ms. Sultana Kamal, its members Ms. Victoria-Tauli Corpus, Dr. Swapan Adnan, Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Barrister Sara Hossain, and its resource persons Dr. Meghna Guhathakurta, Ms. Yeneki Arens and Tom Erickson.
Lord Eric Avebury read out the written statement of the commission. He said that this was a familiarisation trip to gather and establish a database on information received during and after the first mission. The commission will make recommendations to the government, political parties and stakeholders in the light of gathered information.
Lord Avebury also added, "The commission is still at an initial stage of its operations. In the coming months, it will gather and establish a database on information received during and after this mission." He said that individuals or groups looking to contribute to the recommendations can do so before November 30 by contacting the CHTC secretariat. He expressed that there was a common view about the urgent need for peace in the region and for implementation of the CHT Accord, although there were diverse views on the possible means available. They also received reports on ethnic tensions and disharmony surrounding land disputes.
Co-chair of the commission and former adviser to the caretaker government Sultan Kamal and its members educationist Zafar Iqbal, Sara Hossain and Swapan Adnan attended the briefing. They also answered to question of journalists in the conference.
It is mentionable that CHTRC was formed in 1990 and operated till 2001. It published a report on land and human rights of CHT people titled 'Life is not Ours' and updated it four times.
Massive military operation is going on in Rowangchari
Since 15 August 2008 massive military operation is going on through out Rowangchari upazila in Bandarban district.
It is learnt that Brigade commander of Bandarban brigade ordered to launch operation through out Rowangchari upazila in the name of kicking out terrorist from the area. He also ordered to destroy Jum houses constructed by Jum cultivator for temporary use alleging that the terrorists hide at these houses. The army deployed to this operation ordered Jum cultivator not to make hedges of the houses. However, Jum cultivators alleged that they would not leave without hedges of the houses.
On 5 August 2008 eight Islamic militants belong to 'Islami Samaj' aged between 18 and 50 years were arrested by intelligence officials when they were distributing leaflets at Bandarban District and Sessions Judge's Court premises. They were handed over to Bandarban police station and sent Bandarban jail.
The arrested militants are identified as Solaiman Kabir, Syed Ahmed Kabir, Abu Bakar Siddique, Nazmul Haque Rana, Abul Bashar, Khaled Saifullah Mamun, Habibur Rahman and Abu Hanif who came from Comilla, Sherpur, Noakhali, Shariatpur, Jamalpur and Tangail districts. They said they joined Islami Samaj a few months ago. They also added that they do not obey any man-made law and will not seek permission to distribute leaflets. They said that they were visiting different districts taking permission from Allah.
The militants said that they held a meeting earlier in the day with a teacher of Bandarban College and gave him some leaflets for distributing among the teachers and students. However, they claimed that they have no connection with the militants of Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who kill people.
It is mentionable that the state policy of Islamisation in CHT helps to grow strong underground base of Islamic extremists in hilly region of CHT. By taking the advantage of state policy of Islamisation, Islamic extremist group including JMB, Huji and Rohinga separatists set up base camps and training centres in the deep forest of CHT, particularly Naikkyongchari, Lama and Alikadam upazilas under Bandarban district without facing hard difficulties. The militants, who were arrested from CHT after the bomb blast through out the country in August 2005, admitted that there were several training camps and hundreds of members in three hill districts of CHT and thousands of jihadis had been trained from these training camps.
Jumma village attacked by Bengali settlers at Gangaram Duar in Sajek
On 9 August 2008 at around 11.00 p.m. a group of Bengali settlers numbering 12/15 persons made an attack on Jumma houses at Gangaram Duar of Sajek union under Baghaichari upazila in Rangamati district. Bengali settlers beat the villagers and looted the valuables of houses. At least 6 Jumma villagers were wounded in this attack. One of wounded persons got admitted first at MSF hospital at Sajek and later transferred to Khagrachari hospital with serious injuries. The following Jumma villagers were wounded-
1) Mr. Buddhadhan Chakma (60) s/o Surendra Chakma was beaten and his house was looted.
2) Mr. Kaloketu Chakma (68) s/o Rajendra Chakma was beaten.
3) Mr. Joyanta Chakma (70) s/o unknown was brutally beaten.
4) Mr. Tungkala Chakma (42) s/o Rai Mohan Chakma was beaten.
5) Mr. Mukul Kumar Chakma (50) s/o Suresh Swapan Chakma was beaten.
6) Mr. Hriday Ranjan Chakma (70) s/o Ramani Mohan Chakma was chopped by sharp lethal weapon and one of hands was broken. He got admitted at MSF hospital. His house was also looted.
It is learnt that at day time a quarrel was happened between Bengali settlers and Jumma villagers at Baghaihat bazaar. In retaliation to this incident, the Bengali settlers along with few army personnel attacked the said village. The attack was led by (1) Habilder Shariful from Baghaichari army zone, (2) Md. Nasim Dactor, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar, (3) Md. Rafiq, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar, (4) Rahman, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar and (5) Ali, shopkeeper of Baghaihat bazaar.
Land owned by Jumma occupied by Bengali settlers in Bandarban
On 10 August 2008 a group of Bengali settlers occupied land owned by Jumma people at Kyaching Karbari Para under Bandarban sadar upazila in Bandarban district.
It is learnt that on that day at around 3.00 a.m. Bengali settlers led by Kazi Mujibur Rahman, secretary of district Awami League and also vice president of army-backed extreme Bengali nationalist and fanatic organisation named Sama Odhikar Andolon constructed 12 houses on land of Kyaching Karbari. Following the forcibly occupation of land, Kyaching Karbari filed a case with judicial magistrate court of Bandarban district on 11 August. In addition, he also lodged a case against the Bengali settlers with Bandarban police station. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of police station called both parties i.e. land owner Kyaching Karbari and Bengali settlers. But astonishingly he, instead of eviction of Bengali settlers from forcibly occupied land, only ordered Bengali settlers not to further expand occupation land and construction of house.
It is mentionable that Bengali settlers constructed at least 150 houses occupying around 4 acre of land owned by Kyaching Karbari during last 3 years. Kyaching Karbari lodged a case against the land grabbers at that time. Court ordered to maintain status quo. But violating the court order, the Bengali settlers constructed 12 houses further occupying land of Kyaching Karbari. It is also reported that a mosque and a school were constructed in this area with financial help of Bandarban army brigade 6 months ago. Kyaching Karbari has around 30 acre of land in this area.
CHT Commission urges government to speed up CHT Accord execution
On 14 August 2008 in a press conference held at national press club in Dhaka, the CHT Commission (CHTC) urged the government to speed up the implementation of the CHT Accord of 1997 and to take early measures to activate the land commission and the refugee rehabilitation task force.
It is mentionable that the twelve-member CHTC was re-constituted in a meeting held on 31 May and 1 June 2008 in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are three co-chairs of the newly constituted CHTC. They are member of the Upper House of the UK Parliament and vice chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group of UK Lord Eric Avebury, former advisor ro caretaker government of Bangladesh and eminent human rights activist Ms. Sultana Kamal and indigenous people expert from Denmark Dr. Eda Nicolson.
CHTC visited three hill districts of the CHT from 7-10 August 2008 to observe the prevailing situation of the region and help promote human rights, democratic practices and land rights of indigenous people. They talked to the advisors to the caretaker government, chairmen-members of the CHTRC and three HDCs, civil and military officials, representatives of permanent residents of CHT both indigenous Jumma and Bengali peoples, leaders of Bengali settlers, political and traditional leaders, civil society members, public representatives in CHT and Dhaka during the visit. They also visited Baghaihat and Sajek area under Baghaichari upazila where arson attack was made on 7 indigenous Jumma vilages by Bengali settlers, land dispute areas of Karalyachari under Mahalchari, Twi-tilla and 4 Kilometre area on Dighinala-Baghaichari road and Baragram in Dighinala.
After completing the visit, CHTC organised this press conference where its co-chairs Lord Eric Avebury and Ms. Sultana Kamal, its members Ms. Victoria-Tauli Corpus, Dr. Swapan Adnan, Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Barrister Sara Hossain, and its resource persons Dr. Meghna Guhathakurta, Ms. Yeneki Arens and Tom Erickson.
Lord Eric Avebury read out the written statement of the commission. He said that this was a familiarisation trip to gather and establish a database on information received during and after the first mission. The commission will make recommendations to the government, political parties and stakeholders in the light of gathered information.
Lord Avebury also added, "The commission is still at an initial stage of its operations. In the coming months, it will gather and establish a database on information received during and after this mission." He said that individuals or groups looking to contribute to the recommendations can do so before November 30 by contacting the CHTC secretariat. He expressed that there was a common view about the urgent need for peace in the region and for implementation of the CHT Accord, although there were diverse views on the possible means available. They also received reports on ethnic tensions and disharmony surrounding land disputes.
Co-chair of the commission and former adviser to the caretaker government Sultan Kamal and its members educationist Zafar Iqbal, Sara Hossain and Swapan Adnan attended the briefing. They also answered to question of journalists in the conference.
It is mentionable that CHTRC was formed in 1990 and operated till 2001. It published a report on land and human rights of CHT people titled 'Life is not Ours' and updated it four times.
Massive military operation is going on in Rowangchari
Since 15 August 2008 massive military operation is going on through out Rowangchari upazila in Bandarban district.
It is learnt that Brigade commander of Bandarban brigade ordered to launch operation through out Rowangchari upazila in the name of kicking out terrorist from the area. He also ordered to destroy Jum houses constructed by Jum cultivator for temporary use alleging that the terrorists hide at these houses. The army deployed to this operation ordered Jum cultivator not to make hedges of the houses. However, Jum cultivators alleged that they would not leave without hedges of the houses.
Monday, August 11, 2008
CHT commission ends Bandarban visit
A team of International Commission for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs left Bandarban hill district after completing their four-day long visit on Sunday night.
Led by British MP Eric Reginald Lubbock, the team included USA citizen Thomas Christian Eskildsen, Dutch citizen MS Adrienne Maria Jacoba Arens and their Bangladeshi partners Dr Meghna Guha Thakurata, Dr Jafar Iqbal, Dr Shawpan Adnan and barrister Sara Hossain.
Two other groups of the commission also visited Rangamati and Khagrachari Hill District simultaneously.
The commission members met with the circle chiefs (Raja), army officials, chairman of the Hill District Councils, district administration, civil society members and indigenous and Bangalee people separately.
Sorces- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=50050
Led by British MP Eric Reginald Lubbock, the team included USA citizen Thomas Christian Eskildsen, Dutch citizen MS Adrienne Maria Jacoba Arens and their Bangladeshi partners Dr Meghna Guha Thakurata, Dr Jafar Iqbal, Dr Shawpan Adnan and barrister Sara Hossain.
Two other groups of the commission also visited Rangamati and Khagrachari Hill District simultaneously.
The commission members met with the circle chiefs (Raja), army officials, chairman of the Hill District Councils, district administration, civil society members and indigenous and Bangalee people separately.
Sorces- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=50050
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Land issue main problem in hills
Sources- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49743
CHT commission says in Rangamati
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC), now on a five-day visit to the hill districts, held discussions with leaders of indigenous and Bangalee communities in Rangaamti on their problems yesterday and the night before.
The 11-member commission led by its Co-Chairman Lord Eric Avebury arrived Rangamati from Khgrachhari Friday eveninga and soon after started meetings with community leaders. It also held talks with army and civil administration officials.
The team, divided into two groups, met with leaders of indigenous and Bangalee communities separately in Rangamati town Friday evening. Yesterday, Lord Eric Avebury met with Brigade Commander Brigadier General Abu Sohel and Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Amin separately.
At the meetings, indigenous leaders alleged that their communities were being subjected to human rights violation and they are still being evicted from their lands in hills to settle Bangla speaking people from plainlands.
The indigenous leaders demanded immediate functioning of the Land Commission (LC) to resolve all land disputes, saying land issue is the main problem in CHT.
Leaders of Somo Odhikar Andolan (SOA), a platform of Bangalee communities, at meetings with the commission, alleged that indigenous communities get better opportunities and facilities in development programmes funded by foreign donors. They demanded equal treatment.
SOA leaders said Bangalee community should be equally represented in the three hill district councils (HDCs) and in CHT Regional Council.
Replying to journalists' questions, Lord Eric Avebury said there should be better relations between indigenous and Bangalee communities and better co-ordination among army, civil administration and all NGOs and UN organisations for greater interests of all living in the hills.
“There are so many problems including the land issue in the region and their solution will take a long time. We are just collecting opinions from all sections of people and we will make recommendations to the government,” Avebury added.
CHT commission says in Rangamati
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC), now on a five-day visit to the hill districts, held discussions with leaders of indigenous and Bangalee communities in Rangaamti on their problems yesterday and the night before.
The 11-member commission led by its Co-Chairman Lord Eric Avebury arrived Rangamati from Khgrachhari Friday eveninga and soon after started meetings with community leaders. It also held talks with army and civil administration officials.
The team, divided into two groups, met with leaders of indigenous and Bangalee communities separately in Rangamati town Friday evening. Yesterday, Lord Eric Avebury met with Brigade Commander Brigadier General Abu Sohel and Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Amin separately.
At the meetings, indigenous leaders alleged that their communities were being subjected to human rights violation and they are still being evicted from their lands in hills to settle Bangla speaking people from plainlands.
The indigenous leaders demanded immediate functioning of the Land Commission (LC) to resolve all land disputes, saying land issue is the main problem in CHT.
Leaders of Somo Odhikar Andolan (SOA), a platform of Bangalee communities, at meetings with the commission, alleged that indigenous communities get better opportunities and facilities in development programmes funded by foreign donors. They demanded equal treatment.
SOA leaders said Bangalee community should be equally represented in the three hill district councils (HDCs) and in CHT Regional Council.
Replying to journalists' questions, Lord Eric Avebury said there should be better relations between indigenous and Bangalee communities and better co-ordination among army, civil administration and all NGOs and UN organisations for greater interests of all living in the hills.
“There are so many problems including the land issue in the region and their solution will take a long time. We are just collecting opinions from all sections of people and we will make recommendations to the government,” Avebury added.
Friday, August 8, 2008
CHT commission concludes tour of hill district
sources- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49620
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Commission during its two-day visit to Khagrachhari and Baghaichhari heard allegations and counter allegations from indigenous people and settlers.
The commission started its visit from Karallachhari of Mohalchhari upazila in Khagrachhari on August 7 and ended its tour at Babupara in the same upazila yesterday.
The commission observed the human rights situation, democratic rights situation and participation of the locals in development activities in the CHT areas. It has also observed how the CHT Peace Treaty of 1997 is being implemented.
The commission divided into two teams visited different areas yesterday. One team led by Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission Co-chairman Lord Avebury visited Bagaihat around 10:30am while the other team led by Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission Co-chairman Sultana Kamal visited Duitilla and Charmail areas in Baghaichhari. Both teams talked to indigenous people, settlers and government officials in the areas.
The indigenous people told the commission that the settlers are grabbing their lands, orchards and properties at Duitilla, Charmail, Bagaihat and Sajek under the protection of the administration. The settlers harass their young daughters everywhere, they alleged. They also demanded withdrawal of security forces from CHT. Indigenous leaders said they want a peaceful environment.
The settlers, however, told the commission that the indigenous people were grabbing their land which the government provided them at Karallachhari in Mohalchhari upazila, Duitilla, Charmail and Bagaihat in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati. The settlers said criminal activists have risen in the hilly areas and JSS and UPDF are responsible for many instances of abduction, killing and extortion. They demanded the presence of more security personnel in their areas.
The commission would officially disclose its findings in a press conference which will be held in Dhaka within the next two weeks.
Lord Avebury went to Khagrachhari Thursday and held discussions with regional commander Brig Gen Kamruzzaman PSC, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahdat Hossen, Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura and CHT Taskforce Chairman Samiron Dewan.
Victoria Tauli Corpus from the Philippines, Sara Hossain, Shapan Adnan, M Zafar Iqbal, Tom Eskildsen, representative of Jumma Net Japan, and Chris Erni, representative of IWGIA, were among the teams.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Commission during its two-day visit to Khagrachhari and Baghaichhari heard allegations and counter allegations from indigenous people and settlers.
The commission started its visit from Karallachhari of Mohalchhari upazila in Khagrachhari on August 7 and ended its tour at Babupara in the same upazila yesterday.
The commission observed the human rights situation, democratic rights situation and participation of the locals in development activities in the CHT areas. It has also observed how the CHT Peace Treaty of 1997 is being implemented.
The commission divided into two teams visited different areas yesterday. One team led by Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission Co-chairman Lord Avebury visited Bagaihat around 10:30am while the other team led by Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission Co-chairman Sultana Kamal visited Duitilla and Charmail areas in Baghaichhari. Both teams talked to indigenous people, settlers and government officials in the areas.
The indigenous people told the commission that the settlers are grabbing their lands, orchards and properties at Duitilla, Charmail, Bagaihat and Sajek under the protection of the administration. The settlers harass their young daughters everywhere, they alleged. They also demanded withdrawal of security forces from CHT. Indigenous leaders said they want a peaceful environment.
The settlers, however, told the commission that the indigenous people were grabbing their land which the government provided them at Karallachhari in Mohalchhari upazila, Duitilla, Charmail and Bagaihat in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati. The settlers said criminal activists have risen in the hilly areas and JSS and UPDF are responsible for many instances of abduction, killing and extortion. They demanded the presence of more security personnel in their areas.
The commission would officially disclose its findings in a press conference which will be held in Dhaka within the next two weeks.
Lord Avebury went to Khagrachhari Thursday and held discussions with regional commander Brig Gen Kamruzzaman PSC, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Shahdat Hossen, Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC) Chairman Monindra Lal Tripura and CHT Taskforce Chairman Samiron Dewan.
Victoria Tauli Corpus from the Philippines, Sara Hossain, Shapan Adnan, M Zafar Iqbal, Tom Eskildsen, representative of Jumma Net Japan, and Chris Erni, representative of IWGIA, were among the teams.
Protect indigenous people to save forests
Sources- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49593
Speakers at a seminar yesterday called for protecting indigenous people to save forests of the country.
They said the indigenous people are the part of the forests and they know how to protect them.
The seminar titled 'Environmental degradation in forest: Socio-economic crisis of indigenous people' was organised by the Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) at WVA auditorium in the city.
Speaking as chair Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said there is a debate over the name of Adibashi but there is no debate about it that those who live in forests also protect them.
"Those who consider forests as the raw materials of industrialisation do not protect them," he said.
The existence of Adibashi people is being threatened in the name of participatory forests, he added.
In a keynote paper, Prof Khandaker Mokaddem Hossain of Dhaka University said the ethnic communities constitute, according to a government statistics, about 1.2 percent of the total population, but the actual number of indigenous people is considerably higher than this.
He said a huge number of Bangalee settlers have been rehabilitated at Matiranga and Ramgarh thanas in Khagrachhari district, Lama thana in Bandarban district, and Madhupur Tracts of Tangail and Mymensingh districts.
As a consequence, the indigenous people have become marginalised and lost their traditional rights over land and trees, he said.
Prof Hossain said the government should implement ILO's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention 169 to protect their human and land rights.
He said the land and tree resources of indigenous people should be protected from the activities that are not sound environmentally.
Apart from the rehabilitation of Bangalee settlers and commercial plantation of tea, pineapple, orange, lemon and rubber trees, infrastructural development including construction of roads, bridges and highways, industrialisation and urbanization process, and control of forest lands by military and para-military troops in Chittagong Hill Tracts are the main causes of deforestation.
Philip Gain, director of SHED, said the aggression of alien trees in forest is not acceptable.
There were 100 species of indigenous trees in Madhupur forest but in the name of participatory afforestation these trees have been replaced by acacia and eucalyptus, he said.
If the government does not take adequate steps it will be very difficult for indigenous people to survive, said Rabindranath Soren, a leader of the Adibashi community.
AZM Shamsul Huda, a retired forest conservator, said indigenous people do not make any harm to forests, and during his service he did not find them in selling tress by cutting them illegally.
Speakers at a seminar yesterday called for protecting indigenous people to save forests of the country.
They said the indigenous people are the part of the forests and they know how to protect them.
The seminar titled 'Environmental degradation in forest: Socio-economic crisis of indigenous people' was organised by the Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) at WVA auditorium in the city.
Speaking as chair Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said there is a debate over the name of Adibashi but there is no debate about it that those who live in forests also protect them.
"Those who consider forests as the raw materials of industrialisation do not protect them," he said.
The existence of Adibashi people is being threatened in the name of participatory forests, he added.
In a keynote paper, Prof Khandaker Mokaddem Hossain of Dhaka University said the ethnic communities constitute, according to a government statistics, about 1.2 percent of the total population, but the actual number of indigenous people is considerably higher than this.
He said a huge number of Bangalee settlers have been rehabilitated at Matiranga and Ramgarh thanas in Khagrachhari district, Lama thana in Bandarban district, and Madhupur Tracts of Tangail and Mymensingh districts.
As a consequence, the indigenous people have become marginalised and lost their traditional rights over land and trees, he said.
Prof Hossain said the government should implement ILO's Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention 169 to protect their human and land rights.
He said the land and tree resources of indigenous people should be protected from the activities that are not sound environmentally.
Apart from the rehabilitation of Bangalee settlers and commercial plantation of tea, pineapple, orange, lemon and rubber trees, infrastructural development including construction of roads, bridges and highways, industrialisation and urbanization process, and control of forest lands by military and para-military troops in Chittagong Hill Tracts are the main causes of deforestation.
Philip Gain, director of SHED, said the aggression of alien trees in forest is not acceptable.
There were 100 species of indigenous trees in Madhupur forest but in the name of participatory afforestation these trees have been replaced by acacia and eucalyptus, he said.
If the government does not take adequate steps it will be very difficult for indigenous people to survive, said Rabindranath Soren, a leader of the Adibashi community.
AZM Shamsul Huda, a retired forest conservator, said indigenous people do not make any harm to forests, and during his service he did not find them in selling tress by cutting them illegally.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A culture that will never die
NDIGENOUS peoples have contributed the least to world greenhouse gas emissions and have the smallest ecological footprints on earth. Yet they suffer the worst impacts from not only climate change, but also hardship in education, employment, health, human rights, social and economic development, and everyday life.
(Picture- Indigenous people: Aren't they citizens of Bangladesh? Photo: Munir Uz Zaman/ Driknews)
Precise estimates for the total population of the world's indigenous peoples are very difficult to compile, but at the start of the 21st century, there were at least 370 million indigenous people, including 5,000 distinct tribes spread across 70 countries, living relatively neutral or even carbon negative lifestyles. While not a large number when compared to the world population of 6 billion, it does have a substantial impact in lowering emissions. Compare this to the impact of the United States, with a population of 300 million -- only 4% of the world's population -- but responsible for about 25% of world greenhouse gas emissions. But the global situation of indigenous peoples is not encouraging.
In order to end their marginalisation, their extreme poverty, the expropriation of their traditional lands and the other grave human rights abuses they face, the UN General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on August 9 every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous people, declared on December 23, 1994, to commemorate the first meeting in 1982 of the UN Working Group of Indigenous Populations of the Sub-commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities of the Commission on Human Rights.
In recognition of indigenous peoples' particular vulnerability to climate change and their important role in responding to it, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in its 2008 session will focus on "Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: the stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked member states and indigenous people to come together in a spirit of mutual respect. "Indeed, the suffering of indigenous peoples includes some of the darkest episodes in human history," he mentioned in his special message on the eve of this year's International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Indigenous peoples have a history and a culture that will never die. They have a consciousness of culture and brotherhood, though they remain on each country's fringes, marginal to each country's citizenship. They continue to suffer from discrimination, marginalisation, extreme poverty and conflict. They face dispossession of their traditional lands and livelihoods, displacement, destruction of their belief systems, culture, language and way of life, and even the threat of extinction.
In identifying themselves as indigenous peoples, they do not mean to undermine the rights of anyone else, nor do they mean to undermine the global state system. According to Rebecca Adamson, an American Indian Rights activist, we are all indigenous people, and we have to reorganise to get along. All humankind is related to each other, each with a purpose, spirit, and sacredness. The rights of indigenous peoples are the same as the rights of all humans.
Indigenous peoples have fought for over 500 years against genocide, displacement, colonisation and forced assimilation. Throughout, they have succeeded in preserving their cultures and their identities as distinct peoples. But the ongoing fight over land and power has left indigenous communities among the poorest and most marginalised in the world, alienated from state politics, under- or un-represented by national governments. Today, indigenous peoples, who occupy some of the last pristine environments on earth, are at the forefront of the struggle against corporate globalisation and privatisation of natural resources.
They want to be recognised for who they are: distinct groups with their own unique cultures and their own unique destinies, unaffected by the whims of their governments. They want to be protected from genocide, arbitrary execution, torture, forced relocation, or assimilation; they want to enjoy their rights to freedom of expression, association, and religion. They want to be treated equally with respect to opportunities for education, healthcare, work, and other basic needs. Where such rights conflict with the needs of the state or other peoples, they want to participate as equals in an impartial and transparent process for resolving the conflict in a fair, respectful way.
But they are inevitably going to disappear and some populations are facing extinction sooner than later. 18 of the 28 indigenous groups in Colombia have less than 100 members, "and are suspended between life and death." 50 indigenous people were killed and other forced to move to neighbouring villages, caves and mosques by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority in 2004. Indigenous peoples in Malaysia and Indonesia have been uprooted by the aggressive expansion of oil palm plantations for bio-fuel production.
The recent cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, and the earthquake that struck southwest China, brought the world's attention to the plight of indigenous peoples in South and Central Asia, if only for a brief moment. The Rakia of India, the Peripatetics of South Asia, the Bhil of central western India, the Tharu of Nepal, the Dom of Northern Pakistan, the peoples and cultures of the Kashmir Himalayas, the Hazara of Central Afghanistan, the Wakhi and Kirghiz of the Pamirian Knot, the Badakshani of Tajikistan, the Lezghi of the Caucasus mountain range, the people of Tibet, and the Minhe Mangghuer of China; all remain stubbornly amongst the poorest of the poor. They are rapidly disappearing not only from natural disasters, but also from globalisation and its associated processes of imperialism and capitalism.
Bangladesh is so culturally vast that it is easy to lose sight of how many indigenous peoples inhabit the region. Approximately 2.5 million are indigenous peoples belonging to 45 different ethnic groups. But according to a study of Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights, 61% of indigenous people still face discrimination, 42% are victims of corruption, and 19% have been evicted from their ancestral lands. Around 1.2 million indigenous people of the country are yet to be recognised as special or indigenous communities constitutionally, deprived of enjoying their rights and facing discrimination.
Avoiding the path of armed conflict and finding a political solution to improve the condition of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh, the government set up a special ministry titled "Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs" on July 15, 1998 following a peace accord signed between National Committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana-Samhati Samiti on December 2, 1997. Since the signing of the peace accord, there has been a catastrophic failure to implement the accord's terms.
Arrests and intimidation of activists, and other human rights abuses continue. Land continues to be stolen from the indigenous people by both government agencies and by settlers. There is no one to put an end to human rights violations in the region or to ensure that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice.
Today, we have to acknowledge the contributions which indigenous peoples make to humanity through their rich civilisations. We must vigilantly uphold respect for their human rights. They should be integrated in the international development agenda, including the Millennium Development Goals, in policies, programs, and country-level projects. We have to acknowledge their special stewardship on issues related to the environment and climate change.
Ripan Kumar Biswas is a freelance writer based in New York.
In order to end their marginalisation, their extreme poverty, the expropriation of their traditional lands and the other grave human rights abuses they face, the UN General Assembly decided to celebrate the International Day of the World's Indigenous People on August 9 every year during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous people, declared on December 23, 1994, to commemorate the first meeting in 1982 of the UN Working Group of Indigenous Populations of the Sub-commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities of the Commission on Human Rights.
In recognition of indigenous peoples' particular vulnerability to climate change and their important role in responding to it, the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in its 2008 session will focus on "Climate change, bio-cultural diversity and livelihoods: the stewardship role of indigenous peoples and new challenges." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked member states and indigenous people to come together in a spirit of mutual respect. "Indeed, the suffering of indigenous peoples includes some of the darkest episodes in human history," he mentioned in his special message on the eve of this year's International Day of the World's Indigenous People.
Indigenous peoples have a history and a culture that will never die. They have a consciousness of culture and brotherhood, though they remain on each country's fringes, marginal to each country's citizenship. They continue to suffer from discrimination, marginalisation, extreme poverty and conflict. They face dispossession of their traditional lands and livelihoods, displacement, destruction of their belief systems, culture, language and way of life, and even the threat of extinction.
In identifying themselves as indigenous peoples, they do not mean to undermine the rights of anyone else, nor do they mean to undermine the global state system. According to Rebecca Adamson, an American Indian Rights activist, we are all indigenous people, and we have to reorganise to get along. All humankind is related to each other, each with a purpose, spirit, and sacredness. The rights of indigenous peoples are the same as the rights of all humans.
Indigenous peoples have fought for over 500 years against genocide, displacement, colonisation and forced assimilation. Throughout, they have succeeded in preserving their cultures and their identities as distinct peoples. But the ongoing fight over land and power has left indigenous communities among the poorest and most marginalised in the world, alienated from state politics, under- or un-represented by national governments. Today, indigenous peoples, who occupy some of the last pristine environments on earth, are at the forefront of the struggle against corporate globalisation and privatisation of natural resources.
They want to be recognised for who they are: distinct groups with their own unique cultures and their own unique destinies, unaffected by the whims of their governments. They want to be protected from genocide, arbitrary execution, torture, forced relocation, or assimilation; they want to enjoy their rights to freedom of expression, association, and religion. They want to be treated equally with respect to opportunities for education, healthcare, work, and other basic needs. Where such rights conflict with the needs of the state or other peoples, they want to participate as equals in an impartial and transparent process for resolving the conflict in a fair, respectful way.
But they are inevitably going to disappear and some populations are facing extinction sooner than later. 18 of the 28 indigenous groups in Colombia have less than 100 members, "and are suspended between life and death." 50 indigenous people were killed and other forced to move to neighbouring villages, caves and mosques by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority in 2004. Indigenous peoples in Malaysia and Indonesia have been uprooted by the aggressive expansion of oil palm plantations for bio-fuel production.
The recent cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, and the earthquake that struck southwest China, brought the world's attention to the plight of indigenous peoples in South and Central Asia, if only for a brief moment. The Rakia of India, the Peripatetics of South Asia, the Bhil of central western India, the Tharu of Nepal, the Dom of Northern Pakistan, the peoples and cultures of the Kashmir Himalayas, the Hazara of Central Afghanistan, the Wakhi and Kirghiz of the Pamirian Knot, the Badakshani of Tajikistan, the Lezghi of the Caucasus mountain range, the people of Tibet, and the Minhe Mangghuer of China; all remain stubbornly amongst the poorest of the poor. They are rapidly disappearing not only from natural disasters, but also from globalisation and its associated processes of imperialism and capitalism.
Bangladesh is so culturally vast that it is easy to lose sight of how many indigenous peoples inhabit the region. Approximately 2.5 million are indigenous peoples belonging to 45 different ethnic groups. But according to a study of Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights, 61% of indigenous people still face discrimination, 42% are victims of corruption, and 19% have been evicted from their ancestral lands. Around 1.2 million indigenous people of the country are yet to be recognised as special or indigenous communities constitutionally, deprived of enjoying their rights and facing discrimination.
Avoiding the path of armed conflict and finding a political solution to improve the condition of the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh, the government set up a special ministry titled "Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs" on July 15, 1998 following a peace accord signed between National Committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana-Samhati Samiti on December 2, 1997. Since the signing of the peace accord, there has been a catastrophic failure to implement the accord's terms.
Arrests and intimidation of activists, and other human rights abuses continue. Land continues to be stolen from the indigenous people by both government agencies and by settlers. There is no one to put an end to human rights violations in the region or to ensure that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice.
Today, we have to acknowledge the contributions which indigenous peoples make to humanity through their rich civilisations. We must vigilantly uphold respect for their human rights. They should be integrated in the international development agenda, including the Millennium Development Goals, in policies, programs, and country-level projects. We have to acknowledge their special stewardship on issues related to the environment and climate change.
Ripan Kumar Biswas is a freelance writer based in New York.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Reconstituted CHT body goes to hills today
Sources- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=49338
A delegation of the newly reconstituted Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission today begins a five-day visit to the three hill districts to observe the prevailing situation there and help promote human rights, democratic practices and land rights of indigenous people.
The commission was reformed a couple of months ago in Copenhagen. Britain's Lord Eric Avebury, vice chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group, and Sultana Kamal, former adviser of caretaker government, are now co-chairs of the 12-member commission.
Lord Avebury arrived in Dhaka yesterday.
While visiting the CHT region, the delegation will assess political as well as human rights situation in the hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari in the post-CHT peace accord era.
Members of the team including Avebury and Sultana yesterday exchanged views with journalists working on CHT issues in the capital. Avebury said CHT issue has become a very complicated one, and that the commission would talk with different stakeholders to have an outcome.
Commission members Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal and Shapan Adnan, and prof Meghna Guha Thakurata, adviser to the commission, among others, took part in the exchange of views.
Formed in 1990, the CHT commission operated till 2001 and published a report on misery of CHT people titled 'Life is not Ours' and updated it four times.
Our Rangamati correspondent reports: The CHT commission delegation is likely to visit Khagrachhari today, Rangamati tomorrow and Bandarban the following day.
The team members will have discussions with local political and civil society leaders, public representatives and civil and military officials separately.
In Rangamati, a view exchange meeting will be held tomorrow evening at Rajbari in the town. Leaders of indigenous and Bengalee-speaking people will be present there.
Various issues including implementation of CHT peace accord and land rights ethnic communities may come up at the meeting.
The CHT commission comprises Avebury, Sultana, Ida Ncolaisen, Lars-Anders Baer, Victoria Tauli Corpuz, Shapan Adnan, Sara Hossain, Zafar Iqbal, Kuupik Kleist, Lee Swepstone, Robert Evans and Hideaki Uemura.
A delegation of the newly reconstituted Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission today begins a five-day visit to the three hill districts to observe the prevailing situation there and help promote human rights, democratic practices and land rights of indigenous people.
The commission was reformed a couple of months ago in Copenhagen. Britain's Lord Eric Avebury, vice chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group, and Sultana Kamal, former adviser of caretaker government, are now co-chairs of the 12-member commission.
Lord Avebury arrived in Dhaka yesterday.
While visiting the CHT region, the delegation will assess political as well as human rights situation in the hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari in the post-CHT peace accord era.
Members of the team including Avebury and Sultana yesterday exchanged views with journalists working on CHT issues in the capital. Avebury said CHT issue has become a very complicated one, and that the commission would talk with different stakeholders to have an outcome.
Commission members Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal and Shapan Adnan, and prof Meghna Guha Thakurata, adviser to the commission, among others, took part in the exchange of views.
Formed in 1990, the CHT commission operated till 2001 and published a report on misery of CHT people titled 'Life is not Ours' and updated it four times.
Our Rangamati correspondent reports: The CHT commission delegation is likely to visit Khagrachhari today, Rangamati tomorrow and Bandarban the following day.
The team members will have discussions with local political and civil society leaders, public representatives and civil and military officials separately.
In Rangamati, a view exchange meeting will be held tomorrow evening at Rajbari in the town. Leaders of indigenous and Bengalee-speaking people will be present there.
Various issues including implementation of CHT peace accord and land rights ethnic communities may come up at the meeting.
The CHT commission comprises Avebury, Sultana, Ida Ncolaisen, Lars-Anders Baer, Victoria Tauli Corpuz, Shapan Adnan, Sara Hossain, Zafar Iqbal, Kuupik Kleist, Lee Swepstone, Robert Evans and Hideaki Uemura.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Where forests are the only means of survival
Source from:- http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=48708
It's either forests, or nothing. This is how one can define livelihoods in the hill tracts.
[Picture- Settlers clear off trees on a hill to make room for homes, damaging the environment while people of the area engage in Jhum cultivation, inset, which leads to erosion of hills. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain]
As we travelled from one hill to another, one pourasava to the other, one territory to another in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, we found that the people are highly dependent on forest resources.
They are clearing hills after hills without any regards for forestry or wildlife and engaging in Jhum cultivation. They have no other means for survival too. And when you have no options, you turn to the immediate next thing you have--the forests.
And these people have been climbing up and up and deeper and deeper into the forests. We saw huts being built in places where no habitation had been before. We saw new hills being cleared for cultivation.
But with the depletion of forests, livelihood is becoming difficult for the hills people by the day as Shantimoy Chakma of Marissa would testify.
"I lived there," he points to a hill yonder. "Years ago, my family could survive on what we grew. We had the trees to supplement us. We could sell one tree and that would see us through the year. But now the trees are gone. Whatever is left does not bring us much money. The land has lost its fertility. So, I moved on."
Shantimoy showed us his new hut. He has squatted on a new hill. Cleared its surroundings and started Jhum again. Years from now, this place would become infertile with the erosion of soil. Then he would move again. And again. And then nobody knows what will happen in a barren land.
Hardly any industry has developed in the hills. And livelihood outside agriculture is scarce too. NGO operation is weak here and cattle rearing or poultry is not easily seen. Handicraft is also produced in limited scale. There is no real effort to link this land with the mainland economy. Little public money has poured in to create non-agriculture employment.
And as a natural alternative to the absence of economic development, arum cultivation is being introduced in the hills where pristine trees should have been standing tall. We have seen the forest department joining hands with the locals in the act of destroying forest.
As a consequence of this mass-scale destruction of forest, the timber industry in the hills today is faced with an uncertain future. Or you can call it a "certain future of gradual death".
"Our timber supply has dwindled to half in the past five years or so," said Md Hakim, a sawmill owner in Rangamati. "And whatever timber we get is of little value as they are not mature enough to produce good quality wood."
Rangamati timber industry is fully dependent on locally extracted logs. The forests that once supplied bulk of the timber to the rest of the country is today barren and so the local demand is now met from imports.
"Unless we take immediate actions to provide alternative livelihood to the hills people, the remaining forests would be gone very soon," said Dr Reza Khan. "We need to plan how to use the forest in a sustainable way to provide jobs to the people."
Dr Khan lists a number of activities that can be introduced in the hills for employment generation. Farming of wildlife such as hill myna, hornbill, deer, monkey is just one as the local people are well adapted to doing so. Giving incentives and arranging marketing of handicrafts, encouraging tourism and training up the locals as guides, encouraging backyard farming of chickens, ducks, rabbits, leeches (blood for the leeches to be collected from slaughter houses), laboratory white rats and mice, cockroaches--all of which can be supplied to laboratories and the zoos.
But until such alternative livelihood initiatives are taken, pressure on the forests will only increase day by day and forest destruction will continue.
As we travelled from one hill to another, one pourasava to the other, one territory to another in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, we found that the people are highly dependent on forest resources.
They are clearing hills after hills without any regards for forestry or wildlife and engaging in Jhum cultivation. They have no other means for survival too. And when you have no options, you turn to the immediate next thing you have--the forests.
And these people have been climbing up and up and deeper and deeper into the forests. We saw huts being built in places where no habitation had been before. We saw new hills being cleared for cultivation.
But with the depletion of forests, livelihood is becoming difficult for the hills people by the day as Shantimoy Chakma of Marissa would testify.
"I lived there," he points to a hill yonder. "Years ago, my family could survive on what we grew. We had the trees to supplement us. We could sell one tree and that would see us through the year. But now the trees are gone. Whatever is left does not bring us much money. The land has lost its fertility. So, I moved on."
Shantimoy showed us his new hut. He has squatted on a new hill. Cleared its surroundings and started Jhum again. Years from now, this place would become infertile with the erosion of soil. Then he would move again. And again. And then nobody knows what will happen in a barren land.
Hardly any industry has developed in the hills. And livelihood outside agriculture is scarce too. NGO operation is weak here and cattle rearing or poultry is not easily seen. Handicraft is also produced in limited scale. There is no real effort to link this land with the mainland economy. Little public money has poured in to create non-agriculture employment.
And as a natural alternative to the absence of economic development, arum cultivation is being introduced in the hills where pristine trees should have been standing tall. We have seen the forest department joining hands with the locals in the act of destroying forest.
As a consequence of this mass-scale destruction of forest, the timber industry in the hills today is faced with an uncertain future. Or you can call it a "certain future of gradual death".
"Our timber supply has dwindled to half in the past five years or so," said Md Hakim, a sawmill owner in Rangamati. "And whatever timber we get is of little value as they are not mature enough to produce good quality wood."
Rangamati timber industry is fully dependent on locally extracted logs. The forests that once supplied bulk of the timber to the rest of the country is today barren and so the local demand is now met from imports.
"Unless we take immediate actions to provide alternative livelihood to the hills people, the remaining forests would be gone very soon," said Dr Reza Khan. "We need to plan how to use the forest in a sustainable way to provide jobs to the people."
Dr Khan lists a number of activities that can be introduced in the hills for employment generation. Farming of wildlife such as hill myna, hornbill, deer, monkey is just one as the local people are well adapted to doing so. Giving incentives and arranging marketing of handicrafts, encouraging tourism and training up the locals as guides, encouraging backyard farming of chickens, ducks, rabbits, leeches (blood for the leeches to be collected from slaughter houses), laboratory white rats and mice, cockroaches--all of which can be supplied to laboratories and the zoos.
But until such alternative livelihood initiatives are taken, pressure on the forests will only increase day by day and forest destruction will continue.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
ACHR: Bangladesh, worst Human Rights violator among SAARC countries
Source- http://www.tamilnet.com/img/publish/2008/08/SAARC-2008_01.pdf
With 46 points, Bangladesh was ranked No. 2 human rights violator in the
region. On political freedom, Bangladesh scores the worst in the region
with an effective ban on politics. In the first 10 months of 2007, a total
of 440,684 people had been arrested and of these, only 239,480 were issued
arrest warrants. Only 778 were wanted by the police for criminal offences.
The Rapid Action Battalion and other security forces carried out 184 in
so-called “cross-fire” killings – a euphemism for extrajudicial killings.
The use of torture in Bangladesh is routine. Impunity for human rights
violations is total.
Bangladesh is the only country where any law i.e. Emergency Powers Rules
of 2007 have been applied retroactively – a non-derogable principle in the
administration of justice under international human rights law.
On press freedom, the government arrested numerous journalists in cases
that raised serious concerns over the application of the law.
Indigenous/tribal peoples and minorities continued to be the target of
attacks by the majority and the State. The government has intensified
illegal settlement of plain settlers into the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The
extent of the discrimination is hard to believe. A new study by Dhaka
University showed that some 1.2 million or 44 per cent of the 2.7 million
Hindu households in Bangladesh were affected by the Enemy Property Act,
1965 and the Vested Property Act, 1974. Effectively the law is empowered
to describe 2.7 million innocent citizens as ‘enemies of the State’ and if
they so wish seize their properties.
Human rights activists were subject to surveillance. Those defenders from
or working with indigenous and minority communities were the subject of
particular harassment. The government has failed to punish the guilty
responsible for the custodial killing of indigenous Garo leader, Choles
Ritchil in March 2007.
With 46 points, Bangladesh was ranked No. 2 human rights violator in the
region. On political freedom, Bangladesh scores the worst in the region
with an effective ban on politics. In the first 10 months of 2007, a total
of 440,684 people had been arrested and of these, only 239,480 were issued
arrest warrants. Only 778 were wanted by the police for criminal offences.
The Rapid Action Battalion and other security forces carried out 184 in
so-called “cross-fire” killings – a euphemism for extrajudicial killings.
The use of torture in Bangladesh is routine. Impunity for human rights
violations is total.
Bangladesh is the only country where any law i.e. Emergency Powers Rules
of 2007 have been applied retroactively – a non-derogable principle in the
administration of justice under international human rights law.
On press freedom, the government arrested numerous journalists in cases
that raised serious concerns over the application of the law.
Indigenous/tribal peoples and minorities continued to be the target of
attacks by the majority and the State. The government has intensified
illegal settlement of plain settlers into the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The
extent of the discrimination is hard to believe. A new study by Dhaka
University showed that some 1.2 million or 44 per cent of the 2.7 million
Hindu households in Bangladesh were affected by the Enemy Property Act,
1965 and the Vested Property Act, 1974. Effectively the law is empowered
to describe 2.7 million innocent citizens as ‘enemies of the State’ and if
they so wish seize their properties.
Human rights activists were subject to surveillance. Those defenders from
or working with indigenous and minority communities were the subject of
particular harassment. The government has failed to punish the guilty
responsible for the custodial killing of indigenous Garo leader, Choles
Ritchil in March 2007.
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