'Punish rapists of indigenous women'
The Daily Star, 14 October 2008
Hundreds of indigenous people from Kalmakanda and Durgapur upazilas in Netrakona district yesterday formed a human chain in front of the office of Kalmakanda upazila nirbahi officer demanding punishment of two persons for raping indigenous women.
Two cases were filed with Kalmakanda Police Station on September 20 and October 11 against Jamal Mia of Baluchara village and Amir Hamza of Jigatola village for raping two indigenous women on September 19 and October 10, said police and indigenous leaders.
After the human chain organised by local NGO Sarbik Manab Unnayan Sangathan, indigenous leaders submitted a memorandum to Kalmakanda UNO. Police failed to arrest the accused of the two cases although they are seen moving in the area, said the memorandum to UNO.
Indiscriminate felling of trees at Khashia Punji protested
The Daily Star, 24 October 2008
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF) yesterday formed a human chain at TSC intersection on the Dhaka University campus protesting the indiscriminate cutting down of trees at Khashia Punji in Moulvibazar.
Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmed said wholesale cutting down of trees at Khashia Punji not only poses a threat to the environment, but also it is an issue of justice. The environment, biodiversity and livelihood of the local indigenous people are facing threats due to such type of whimsical act of the government, he added. Prof Ahmed said the government decision would put questions to the future national plan to face the impacts of climate change. At the programme, he called on the government to be careful not to take such decision immediately.
The speakers said a huge number of trees have already been cut down as part of chopping down 4,000 trees in Khashia Pan Punji at Nahar Tea Garden at Srimangal and process of felling down more trees underway. They placed a five-point demand, including immediate halt to cutting down of trees and their sale and stop taking tax from the local indigenous people. The speakers said though only 864.58 acres of land is registered with the tea garden, it is using more than 1200 acres of land.
Though the news of corruption by the local official of forest departments is published in the media, they are still cutting down trees indiscriminately, they added.
Cremation ground of indigenous people grabbed
The Daily Star, 26 October 2008
Fifty-two indigenous families in Naogaon yesterday demanded stern actions against a group of local influential people for trying to grab their cremation ground at Sonapur village through fake documents. The Santal and Oraw families yesterday made the demand at a press conference at the Metropolitan Press Club in Naogaon.
The indigenous people have been using about 0.19 acres of land as their cremation ground at Sonapur village of Manda upazila for over a century. But recently a group of local influential people including Rakib Pramanik and Rafiqul Pramanik are trying to grab the cremation ground, they alleged. They were barred from cremating bodies there and also received death threats from the influential group, the indigenous people alleged. They said the henchmen of the influential group also attacked them in September when they went to the cremation ground carrying a deceased member of their community.
Later, Ranjit Oraw, president of Lahanti Akra Forum, an organisation of indigenous people, handed over a written complaint to Manda Upazila Nirbahi Office (UNO) Bipul Chandra Biswas at the latter's office. The UNO asked the land office to investigate the allegations and submit report to him, they said. But the land office is yet to submit the report.
The indigenous families also alleged that the influential people have managed fake documents and are trying to evict them from their 3.42 acres of khas land and 3.43 acres of khas pond they leased from the authorities concerned at Borambari village of Niamatpur upazila. They also alleged that instead of taking actions against the influential people the police are harassing the indigenous people.
Lahanti Akra Forum President Ranjit Oraw, Bangapal Sardar, Bhulu Mahto, Noresh Kujur, Romesh Tropo, Fulchan Oraw, Mongol Oraw, Tuku Hasda and Bimol Murmu were also present.
Political parties urged to include indigenous peoples' issues in their election manifestos
On 25 September 2008 Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Anlodon (BAOA), a support group of civic forum for indigenous peoples, called upon the political parties to include indigenous people's concerns in their manifestos for the December 18 parliamentary polls.
In a written statement read out at the press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity, General Secretary of BAOA and also professor of Dhaka University Mr. Mesbah Kamal said that the state of indigenous people, especially those who live in plain lands, is vulnerable and they need special attention from all the parties to survive. He placed a 15-point charter of demands of the indigenous people for consideration of political parties.
The demands included constitutional recognition of the indigenous people, implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, education in their respective mother languages, returning back their land through immediate functioning of the CHT Land Dispute Settlement Commission, separate land commission for plain land indigenous people to preserve their cultural and religious identities, canceling of eco-park project on indigenous peoples' areas, reservation seat for indigenous peoples at parliament and local government bodies, taking special measures for security of indigenous women, special census to determine the actual number of indigenous people in the country. BAOA also urged the government to ensure safety of the ethnic minority groups during and after the general elections.
Mong Raja Prue Chy cremated
The Daily Star, 28 October 2008
The cremation ceremony of late Mong Raja Paihala Prue Chowdhury was held yesterday in Khagrachhari. Hundreds of people started to gather at the residence of the late Mong Raja at Madhubazar (zero mile) in the hill district from the morning to pay homage to him. He was cremated at 3:00pm amid blasting of firecrackers after his personal security forces gave him a guard of honour. His son Saching Prue Chowdhury first set off firecrackers to start the cremation as per the Mong ritual.
Later, Khagrachhari District Council Chairman Manindra Lal Tripura, Rangamati District Council Chairman Jagotjyoti Chakma, Bandarban District Council Chairman Prof Thansama Lusai, Lt Col Samad Chowdhury on behalf of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and CHT Chief Coordinator of UNDP Robert Stalman also set off firecrackers.
Superintendent of Police Mohammad Quaiumuzzaman Khan, Deputy Commissioner AKM Khairul Alam, Khagrachhari Municipality Mayor Joynal Abedin, and Bangladesh Marma Sanghati Oikya Parishad President Kongchari Master, among others, were present.
Paihala Prue Chowdhury was killed on October 22 in a road accident at Patachhara near Ramgarh in Khagrachhari. All educational institutions in Khagrachhari remained closed yesterday to show respect to the deceased king. Crown Prince Saching Prue Chowdhury delivered a speech prior to the cremation.
"The Raja had always worked for the welfare of the people and was concerned about their socio-economic development," he said adding that his father had repeatedly requested the government and various non-government organisations to take up development projects in the hill tracts.
Paihala Prue Chowdhury, who was the 7th Mong king, is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. After the death of the then Mong king and his uncle Neuprue Sain Chowdhury in 1984, the government recognised Paihala Prue as Neuprue's nominee, local sources said.
Paihala was working as the district information officer at that time. He became the Mong Circle Chief, locally known as Mong Raja, in 1991. The government recognised him as the Mong Raja after he won a legal battle with Unika Devi, the stepdaughter of Neuprue Sain, in 1998.
Reforms in land commission law soon: Debashish
The Daily Star, 28 October 2008
Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Raja Debashish Roy at a consultation yesterday said the government is working to bring some reforms in land commission law in a month or two.
Debashish Roy, also in-charge of CHT and environment and forest ministries, was speaking as the chief guest at the consultation on 'Collective action on indigenous issues' at Biam auditorium in the city. The reforms would reflect some aspirations of the indigenous people, he added. The special assistant "The CHT Commission should be implemented. If so, the possibility of a separate national commission for the indigenous people could also be discussed." Debashish said one of the commissioners of the newly formed Human Rights Commission could be engaged for the indigenous people.
The consultation, jointly organised by Research and Development Collective (RDC) and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), was presided over by Justice Gholam Rabbani.
Speakers at the consultation underscored the need for forming a national commission for the indigenous people of the country to overcome their problems. They called on the political parties to include the issue of the indigenous people in their election manifestos and allocate reserved seats for them in the parliament and all the local bodies of representatives to ensure their participation in their own development. They said the non-implementation of the CHT Treaty is a problem of the indigenous people and the government should take steps to implement it.
RDC General Secretary Prof Mesbah Kamal presented a keynote paper at the consultation. He said representation of the indigenous people at the national, regional and local levels should be ensured, adding that non-recognition of the indigenous people in the constitution and land-related problems are their main problems.
Gholam Rabbani said it is illegal to discriminate the indigenous people on grounds of race, sex or religions in this independent country. They also participated in the country's liberation war.
Ex-additional secretary ASM Mobaidul Haque, VSO Country Director Shahana Hayat, VSO Programme Officer Mahtabul Hakim, Bangladesh Adivasi Parishad Chairperson Anil Marandi and Danida Human Rights and Good Governance of Programme Officer Kirti Nishan Chakma.
Regional consultation on ILO Convention 107 held in Mymensingh & Sreemangal
On 28 October 2008 ILO Dhaka office and Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum organized a regional consultation meeting on ILO Indigenous and Tribal Populations Convention, 1957 (No. 107). Raja Devasish Roy, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor for CHT Affairs Ministry and Forest and Environment Ministry was present as chief guest in the consultation meeting while Director of ILO Dhaka Panudda Boonpala, ADC (general) of Mymensingh District Administration Md. Mohsin, former member of parliament and indigenous leader Mr. Promod Mankin, Divisional Forest Officer Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Father Joseph Gomes, Mayor of Mymensingh Municipality Advocate Mahamud Al Nur Tarek, Programme Officer of DANIDA Mr. Kirti Nishan Chakma, representative of Oxfam-GB Mr. Soikot Biswas, Vice President of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Mr. James Barendrong, Regional Director of Caritas of Mymensingh office Mr. Theophil Nokrek and a good number of indigenous leaders and activist from different localities of greater Mymensingh region were present in this day long event. The sessions were presided over by Bishop Ponen Kubi and Ajoy A Mree respectively while Mr. Sanjeeb Drong moderated in all sessions.
In the morning session, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Mr. Sanjeeb Drong presented keynote paper on ILO Convention 107 and situation of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh, Sub-regional Coordinator on Indigenous and Tribal Issues of ILO Office in Delhi Ms. Sarah Webster explained aims and objectives and overview of PRO 169 activities in Bangladesh and International Labour Standadrds Specialist of Delhi ILO Dellhi Mr. Cuan Kompier spoke on 'ILO and tribal and indigenous peoples: what ILO Conventions can do?'.
In his speech Raja Devasish said that the ILO has the only mandate within the UN system to work specially on indigenous and tribal peoples' issues. The Government of Bangladesh ratified the ILO Convention (No. 107) on Indigenous and Tribal Populations in 1972 but yet to formulate any national policy in favor of it. For establishing rights according to the ILO Convention No.107, indigenous peoples should do lobby in national and international level.
Speakers of the consultation said that Convention No. 107 is a broad development instrument, covering a wide range of issues such as land, recruitment and conditions of employment, vocational training, handicrafts and rural industries, social security, health and education. But still the indigenous peoples of Bangladesh are not getting their rights according to the convention. They all urged to government to formulate all concerned national policies according to ILO Convention No. 107. At the end of the day, the meeting adopted a good number of recommendations
Earlier, on 26 October 2008 another regional consultation was held in Sreemangal under Moulvibazar district. Information and Publicity Secretary of PCJSS Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma presented keynote paper on ILO Convention 107 and situation of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. Inaugural session was presided over by Headman and Khasi leader Mr. Pidision Prodhan Suchiang while other two working session were presided over by Rev. Father Joseph Gomes, OMI, Justice and Peace Ministry and Manipuri leader Mr. Ananda Mohan Sinha. Among others, tea community leader Mr. Pankaj Kundu, Khasi women leader Ms. Flora Bably Talang, Manipuni women leader Ms. Bibha Sinha, Banidace Kongla spoke in the consultation as panel discussant.
Speakers of this consultation raised issues of eviction of Khasi peoples from their traditional Pan Punjies, harassment of Forest Department, lack of adequate marketing facilities of betel leafs, destruction of forest of bio-diversity by Shevron, lack of proper implementation of East Bengal State Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950, non-recognition of rights of tea estate labourers, land of traditional punjies leased out to non-IPs without free, prior and informed consent and violating customary rights, eviction of IPs through Muroichara eco-park (Kulaura), Madabkunda eco-park (Baralekha), social forestry project etc, misuse of Vested Property Act (Enemy Property Act), lack of government facilities at Pan Punjies, for example, only 5 primary schools out of 100 punjies, land settlement given only 5-7 punjies out of 100 punjies, approximately 90% Khasi peoples' land are not registered, Punjies within tea estate frequently attacked by tea estate owners for eviction, deprived of fair price of betel leafs, landslide along the boarder damages cultivable land etc.
In his keynote paper, Mangal Kumar Chakma recommended 11 points of charter. These are incluuded to ensure the constitutional recognition of IPs; recognise collective and individual rights of IPs over land and natural resources, customs and traditions etc; and to return back their land and homestead; ensure rights to self-determination of IPs including implementation of CHT Accord in letter and spirits and international conventions; ensure full and effective participation of IPs including decision-making level in the development activities; include a subject of IPs' rights in the PATC training for BCS officers; reserve seat for IPs in parliament and local govt bodies; initiate mechanism to access Expert Committee meeting by IPs; make aware political leaders, intelligentsia and bureaucrats for sensitization on human rights and fundamental freedoms of IPs; sensitize Bangladesh Country Office for undertaking advocacy programmes for implementation of ILO C107; initiate special vocational training programme for IPs and undertake inter-govt initiative to combat climate change including landslide in IP territory.
Meeting between PCJSS and Election Commission held
On 29 October 2008 a meeting on registration of PCJSS and forthcoming parliamentary election between PCJSS (Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti), a political party of indigenous Jumma peoples in CHT and Bangladesh Election Commission was held at office of Chief Election Commissioner.
PCJSS president Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma led the PCJSS delegation and other members of the delegation were central member Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, political affairs secretary Mr. Ushatan Talukdar and Information and Publicity Secretary Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma. On the other, Chief Election Commissioner Dr A T M Shamsul Huda led the EC team while other two election commissioners Mr. Chahul Hossain and Brig. Gen. Shakhawat Hossain were present in the meeting.
Mr. J B Larma raised the issue of registration of PCJSS with Election Commission as a political party considering distinct socio-political, cultural and historical background of the indigenous Jumma peoples and CHT region. He also urged the Election Commission to give special attention on forthcoming parliamentary election particularly for CHT region for free, fair and neutral election and to take initiative to holding Hill District Councils' election.
Chief Election Commission said that they would look into the matter as per rules and regulations.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Army camp grabs 20 acres, evicts 3 families in Harinathpara
chtnews.comNews
No. 162/2008, October 28, 2008
Three Jumma families have been displaced in Harinathpara under Golabari Union of Khagrachari district after an army camp was built there in April 2007.
The camp was relocated from Jadurampara in Kamalchari to Jonglitila situated in the middle of two villages Harinathpara and Guamahat. The army ousted three Jumma families who had been living there for many years and forcibly occupied about 20 acres of land belonging to six Jummas, including those evicted.
The soldiers also destroyed their orchards and fruit threes, and cut down bamboos and other valuable trees like teak and Gamar.
The displaced have been identified as Karunamoy Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nagor Chakma, Shantimoy Chakma, aged 35, s/o Chiringya Chakma and Charu Bikash Chakma, aged 35, s/o Shobhadhan Chakma.
Karunamoy Chakma told chtnews.com that after returning from refugee camp in Tripura, India in 1997, his family had settled there with permission from the local headman, Aungkyoching Chowdhury. He had grown different kinds of fruit trees such as jackfruit, mango, litchi, orange and plum, and planted bamboo, teak and Gamar tree.
He said until he was evicted in 2007, his family had been living there without any trouble and hindrance. "I had 5 acres of land there. Now the army is using it as a helipad." he said.
Now he has built a house on a piece of land belonging to Satish Chandra Chakma in the same village.
He said "I appealed to the CO. He said 'since you are returnee refugee we will give you money' (as compensation). I don't know the CO's name. He said the land belonged to the government. I went to him couple of times. At one stage, he called me names and said 'you bustard! You will smile the other side of your face, you know, if I have you lathi-charged (caned).' Finally, I gave up on it, and asked for seven days for the house to be dismantled and shifted. He gave me five days. Now I have become completely landless, not even owning an inch of land. I have got three sons and three daughters."
Like him, Charu Bikash Chakma was also forcibly ousted from his land. His family has now moved to Akkoychara Adam, about one and a half miles from Harinathpara village.
Those interviewed said the land on which the main camp-house has been built belongs to Charu Bikash Chakma and his father. They had two houses there, but they were destroyed.
Shantimoy Chakma alleged that the army has occupied 5 acres of third class hilly land belonging to him. He had been in the possession of the land for the last 35 years.
In an interview with the chtnews.com on 10 September 2008, Mr. Chakma said "I grew teak, Gamar and banana plantation there. About one and a half months ago, an army officer from the newly built Jonglitila camp called me and said that all my land was now under the control of the army camp. He virtually told me that his camp belonged all the land that he 'surveyed in all directions'. Ten to 12 days ago, the army got the settlers to clear the area. I had some 2nd class land within these 5 acres, and I used to grow vegetables there; but I am not being allowed to do that in this season."
Satish Chandra Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nishi Kumar Chakma had two acres of third class hilly land and 15 decimal of second class land. He and his family had been living there for 50 years. Apart from bamboo, they had also grown teak, Gamar, coconut, jackfruit, orange and lemon trees. Now the whole land has been occupied by the army.
In an interview he said "I appealed to the Chairman (UP) and the Headman, but noting came out. The army cut down the trees, and then trucks load of wood logs were supplied to the Zone, but we had to watch it helplessly. When we tried to protest, they threatened us."
His brother Tarun Kanti Chakma's (36) 3 acres of land has also been occupied. "The army cut down about 100 banana trees and 50 pieces of Bajjey bamboo. I had over 100 teak and Gamar trees, which were 12 to 14 years old. Now they don't allow me to sell them away. Everything has gone." Mr. Chakma alleged.
Asked if he lodged any protest or sought redress, he said "From whom shall I seek justice? The army said 'you can go anywhere, even to our higher authority, to lodge a complaint, but we need this area.'"
A few days ago, his wife was taking a banana bunch from their orchard. But when the soldiers objected, she, out of anger and grief, cut it to pieces in front of the army men and walked away.
The army also grabbed about 2 acres of land belonging to Nayan Chakma, 35, s/o Joy Dharat Chakma. He had grown about 500 pieces of teak trees. He said "the army cut down the teak trees and built their camp with these trees. Some of logs from these trees are still kept in the camp. My land is situated to the west of the main camp."
Asked if he lodged a protest, Nayana said "What could we have done! They just came and cut down the trees in a swift manner. We asked for compensation but they refused to pay, and said all our lands would be put under the control of the camp. We were forced to break down our houses. Now I built my house anew near the old one. They (army) are kept silent about it, but I don't know how long we would be allowed to live here. A few days ago, Major Rabbi told us not to plant anything or to make fire in our own land."
No. 162/2008, October 28, 2008
Three Jumma families have been displaced in Harinathpara under Golabari Union of Khagrachari district after an army camp was built there in April 2007.
The camp was relocated from Jadurampara in Kamalchari to Jonglitila situated in the middle of two villages Harinathpara and Guamahat. The army ousted three Jumma families who had been living there for many years and forcibly occupied about 20 acres of land belonging to six Jummas, including those evicted.
The soldiers also destroyed their orchards and fruit threes, and cut down bamboos and other valuable trees like teak and Gamar.
The displaced have been identified as Karunamoy Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nagor Chakma, Shantimoy Chakma, aged 35, s/o Chiringya Chakma and Charu Bikash Chakma, aged 35, s/o Shobhadhan Chakma.
Karunamoy Chakma told chtnews.com that after returning from refugee camp in Tripura, India in 1997, his family had settled there with permission from the local headman, Aungkyoching Chowdhury. He had grown different kinds of fruit trees such as jackfruit, mango, litchi, orange and plum, and planted bamboo, teak and Gamar tree.
He said until he was evicted in 2007, his family had been living there without any trouble and hindrance. "I had 5 acres of land there. Now the army is using it as a helipad." he said.
Now he has built a house on a piece of land belonging to Satish Chandra Chakma in the same village.
He said "I appealed to the CO. He said 'since you are returnee refugee we will give you money' (as compensation). I don't know the CO's name. He said the land belonged to the government. I went to him couple of times. At one stage, he called me names and said 'you bustard! You will smile the other side of your face, you know, if I have you lathi-charged (caned).' Finally, I gave up on it, and asked for seven days for the house to be dismantled and shifted. He gave me five days. Now I have become completely landless, not even owning an inch of land. I have got three sons and three daughters."
Like him, Charu Bikash Chakma was also forcibly ousted from his land. His family has now moved to Akkoychara Adam, about one and a half miles from Harinathpara village.
Those interviewed said the land on which the main camp-house has been built belongs to Charu Bikash Chakma and his father. They had two houses there, but they were destroyed.
Shantimoy Chakma alleged that the army has occupied 5 acres of third class hilly land belonging to him. He had been in the possession of the land for the last 35 years.
In an interview with the chtnews.com on 10 September 2008, Mr. Chakma said "I grew teak, Gamar and banana plantation there. About one and a half months ago, an army officer from the newly built Jonglitila camp called me and said that all my land was now under the control of the army camp. He virtually told me that his camp belonged all the land that he 'surveyed in all directions'. Ten to 12 days ago, the army got the settlers to clear the area. I had some 2nd class land within these 5 acres, and I used to grow vegetables there; but I am not being allowed to do that in this season."
Satish Chandra Chakma, aged 55, s/o Nishi Kumar Chakma had two acres of third class hilly land and 15 decimal of second class land. He and his family had been living there for 50 years. Apart from bamboo, they had also grown teak, Gamar, coconut, jackfruit, orange and lemon trees. Now the whole land has been occupied by the army.
In an interview he said "I appealed to the Chairman (UP) and the Headman, but noting came out. The army cut down the trees, and then trucks load of wood logs were supplied to the Zone, but we had to watch it helplessly. When we tried to protest, they threatened us."
His brother Tarun Kanti Chakma's (36) 3 acres of land has also been occupied. "The army cut down about 100 banana trees and 50 pieces of Bajjey bamboo. I had over 100 teak and Gamar trees, which were 12 to 14 years old. Now they don't allow me to sell them away. Everything has gone." Mr. Chakma alleged.
Asked if he lodged any protest or sought redress, he said "From whom shall I seek justice? The army said 'you can go anywhere, even to our higher authority, to lodge a complaint, but we need this area.'"
A few days ago, his wife was taking a banana bunch from their orchard. But when the soldiers objected, she, out of anger and grief, cut it to pieces in front of the army men and walked away.
The army also grabbed about 2 acres of land belonging to Nayan Chakma, 35, s/o Joy Dharat Chakma. He had grown about 500 pieces of teak trees. He said "the army cut down the teak trees and built their camp with these trees. Some of logs from these trees are still kept in the camp. My land is situated to the west of the main camp."
Asked if he lodged a protest, Nayana said "What could we have done! They just came and cut down the trees in a swift manner. We asked for compensation but they refused to pay, and said all our lands would be put under the control of the camp. We were forced to break down our houses. Now I built my house anew near the old one. They (army) are kept silent about it, but I don't know how long we would be allowed to live here. A few days ago, Major Rabbi told us not to plant anything or to make fire in our own land."
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Kapaeeng Watch News Release: 22 October 2008
New settlement of 4 mile area of Baghaichari and Dighinala upazila
On 3 October 2008 at mid-night Bengali settlers of 4 mile area of Baghaichari upazila under Rangamati district set fire on some 10-15 houses of them and immediately informed the nearest BDR camp authority of it falsely alleging that tribal miscreants burnt down their houses. A group of BDR rushed there and found makeshifts on ablaze, but all the household belongings were intake at the outsides. The BDR authority inquired about the incident and found it a false play.
However, on 6 October 2008 Bengali settlers under the banner of Sama Odhikar Andolon (SOA), an extreme Bengali nationalist and communal organisation of Bengali Muslim settlers, brought out procession at Baghaichari upazila headquarters demanding to take necessary action against tribal people and to provide compensation to them. They also had intension to fall upon the Jumma people and their houses at the upazila headquarters. The BDR and the police prevented them from approaching towards Jumma localities. At a stage, the settler women clapped BDR and police personnel with their slippers and others felted stone. Some leaders of SOA were arrested from the spot and taken to the police station. Of them, Selim Bahari, president of the Baghaichari branch of SOA was sent to the Rangamati jail and others were set free.
It is notable that the said area of the hilly range between Kassalong valley of Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati hill district and Maini valley of Dighinala upazila and Khagrachari hill district belonged to the Jumma people of the said upazilas. Since the beginning of 2006, they cut down bushes, fired and cleared. They planted trees and fruit trees there and few of them made houses as well. As soon as state of emergency was promulgated in January 2007, the authority of Dwitila army camp under Dighinala region collected and if necessary, compelled Bengali Muslim families from Muslim Block Para of Baghaichari union of Baghaichari upazila and from Bachamarong and Betchari cluster villages of Merung union under Dighinala upazila to forcibly occupy the said area.
It is learnt that the army authority granted an amount of Taka 7,000 to each family for making hut and provided ration as well. By September 2008, around 100 makeshift were made by the Bengali Muslim settlers.
Further it is learnt that in the meantime a few families of Bengali settler families those who have cultivable land went back to their previous houses in Dighinala and Baghaichari upazilas. Many others who have good sources of income also want to return to previous locations. But the army authority is yet to allow them.
Follow-up of Bengali settlement programme in Sajek
In August 2008, Lt. Col. Sajid Imtiaz, commanding officer (CO) of Baghaihat army zone was transferred from Baghaihat zone and a new CO has been appointed there. The new CO stopped providing fund and ration to the Bengali settler families since mid-September 2008. He also ordered the settlers to give back lands to the Jumma people except the lands purchased ones in the meantime. Consequently, many families of the settlers returned to their own houses at Muslim Block Para of Baghaichari upazila and Hajachara of Dighinala upazila.
It is important to note here that Ladu Moni Chakma alias Jadu Moni of Retkaba village of Sajek union was brutally killed by Bengali settlers on 19 August 2008 and the CHT Commission raised the incident of it with the Chief Advisor Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed of Caretaker Government of Bangladesh in September 2008. In addition, the UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation) submitted a report on CHT to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2008 on which Bangladesh Government is supposed to face hearing in February 2009. It is speculated that the present Caretaker Government, in order to have favourable position on the situation in Baghaihat area under Sajek union in particular, took up such a soft stance.
Judge Court grants bail for indigenous activists in Khagrachari
Very recently, newly introduced judge court in Khagrachari district granted bail to some indigenous activists. Among them, PCJSS central leader Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma got bail on 25 September 2008, PCP leader Mr. Bholash Tripura on 7 October 2008 and Anunay Chakma Manas on 14 October 2008. They all were arrested after the promulgation of state of emergency.
PCJSS member harassed by police and intelligent personnel in Khagrachari
On 18 October 2008 police of Khagrachari police station and intelligent personnel arrested PCJSS members namely Buddha Kinkar Chakma Samichin and Priti Chakma for half an hour at Khagrachari police station in charging for photocopying of the "Report of the eminent citizens' visit to Chittagong Hill Tracts". They were released after confining them for half an hour at police lockup of Khagrachari police station.
Commercial afforestation by Destiny-2000 by occupying Jumma's land in Bandarban
Destiny-2000, a multi-level marketing company in Bangladesh, undertook afforestation programme for commercial purposes in Bandarban district by purchasing lands that was leased out to non-residents of CHT. It is also alleged that Destiny also occupied private lands owned by indigenous Jumma villagers.
It is learnt that on 10 September 2008 local people droved out Destiny workers while they were cleaning land by setting fire with kerosene on existing forest and orchard owned by indigenous Jumma villagers at Chemi Dalupara area under Bandarban sadar upazila (sub-district). After driving out from there, they later tried to occupy the land owned by one Bengali permanent resident named A K M Jahangir. Following this incident, complain has been lodged with the headman court.
Khiyang Adivasi leader Mr. Bachha Khyang, Karbari of Chemi Dalu Para Mr. Achhomong and villager of Gungurumuk Para Mr. Chinghla Khiyang said that they opposed the workers of Destiny when they came to occupy their lands. A Bengali resident Mr. Jahangir also alleged that the workers of Destiny occupied and set fire a portion of his orchard. Contractor of Destiny who is involved in afforestation confessed ablaze of a portion of Jahangir's orchard.
It is worth mentioning that CHT Peace Accord signed in 1997 between the government of Bangladesh and indigenous people's political party PCJSS stipulates, "Out of the lands allotted to non-tribal and non-local persons for rubber and other plantations, the lease (allocation) in respect of the lands of those who did not undertake any project during the last ten years or did not properly utilize the lands shall be cancelled." It is also mentionable that al most all the leases were not utilized. However, though eleven have passed after signing of the Accord, no allotment (lease) has yet been cancelled.
Indigenous people demand constitutional recognition
The Daily Star, 21 October 2008, RU Correspondent
Indigenous leaders at a convention yesterday demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring their rights to their mother tongue, culture and land. They also demanded formation of a separate land commission for them and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue.
The First Convention of the Adivasi Chhatra Parishad (ACP) was held at the Rajshahi Zila Parishad auditorium. Eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque inaugurated the two-day convention that was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Raja Debashish Roy as the chief guest. Harendra Nath Sing, convener of Adivasi Chhatra Parishad (ACP), presided over the programme.
Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University, Prof Dr Sujit Sarker, Prof Mahmudul Hassan of Rajshahi University, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad President Anil Marandi, General Secretary Rabindranath Saran, Rajshahi district president Bimal Chandra Rajwar, Hiran Mitra Chakma, central secretary of Pahari Chhatra Parishad, student leader Pavel Partha and Debashish Pramanik Debu spoke on the occasion.
Debashish Roy said that the country's indigenous community played a vital role in different democratic movements, including the Language Movement and the liberation war. However, they are still deprived of their rights, he observed. He assured that he would discuss with the government to preserve their rights.
While reading out a written statement, ACP Joint Convener Manik Saran placed a 10-point demand. The demands include five percent quota for the indigenous people in educational institutions and government services, introducing the indigenous children's mother tongue as the medium of their primary education, including indigenous language at university language department, establishing indigenous education, culture and research centre in every educational institutions, launching indigenous students' scholarship, construct indigenous students dormitories in all educational institutions and appoint indigenous teachers at indigenous primary school.
Earlier, ACP brought out a colourful rally that paraded different city streets.
Unite to realise constitutional rights of indigenous people- Shantu Larma urges students
The Daily Star, 22 October 2008
It is the time for the students of indigenous community to get united to realise their constitutional and basic rights, said Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma alias Shantu Larma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, yesterday.
At a freshers' reception at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University, he said members of the indigenous community are deprived of their constitutional rights and victims of harassment and suppression.
The reception was organised by Bangladesh Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad to receive all indigenous students who were admitted to different educational institutions including Dhaka University in the city this year.
Speaking as chief guest at the programme, Shantu Larma said, "We the members of indigenous community should continue our fight against communalism alongside our efforts to establish a democratic and progressive state," he added. Criticising the country's higher education system he said it helps students become communal instead of democratic and progressive.
Dr Harun-ur-Rashid, dean of social science faculty, who attended the programme as special guest, said to ensure higher education of the indigenous students Dhaka University fixed one percent admission quota for them from this year.
"All political parties should make their stand clear about the rights of indigenous people in their political manifestos," said Prof Mezbah Kamal of history department.
He also criticised the caretaker government for holding a meeting with Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid.
Criticising the deployment of military in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Prof Sadeka Halim of sociology department said the government should withdraw them from the area as local administration is there to control the law and order situation.
The programme was also addressed by Prof Mohammad Samad of Social Welfare Institute, Robaet Ferdous, associate professor of mass communication and journalism department, and Sanjib Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adibashi Forum.
On 3 October 2008 at mid-night Bengali settlers of 4 mile area of Baghaichari upazila under Rangamati district set fire on some 10-15 houses of them and immediately informed the nearest BDR camp authority of it falsely alleging that tribal miscreants burnt down their houses. A group of BDR rushed there and found makeshifts on ablaze, but all the household belongings were intake at the outsides. The BDR authority inquired about the incident and found it a false play.
However, on 6 October 2008 Bengali settlers under the banner of Sama Odhikar Andolon (SOA), an extreme Bengali nationalist and communal organisation of Bengali Muslim settlers, brought out procession at Baghaichari upazila headquarters demanding to take necessary action against tribal people and to provide compensation to them. They also had intension to fall upon the Jumma people and their houses at the upazila headquarters. The BDR and the police prevented them from approaching towards Jumma localities. At a stage, the settler women clapped BDR and police personnel with their slippers and others felted stone. Some leaders of SOA were arrested from the spot and taken to the police station. Of them, Selim Bahari, president of the Baghaichari branch of SOA was sent to the Rangamati jail and others were set free.
It is notable that the said area of the hilly range between Kassalong valley of Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati hill district and Maini valley of Dighinala upazila and Khagrachari hill district belonged to the Jumma people of the said upazilas. Since the beginning of 2006, they cut down bushes, fired and cleared. They planted trees and fruit trees there and few of them made houses as well. As soon as state of emergency was promulgated in January 2007, the authority of Dwitila army camp under Dighinala region collected and if necessary, compelled Bengali Muslim families from Muslim Block Para of Baghaichari union of Baghaichari upazila and from Bachamarong and Betchari cluster villages of Merung union under Dighinala upazila to forcibly occupy the said area.
It is learnt that the army authority granted an amount of Taka 7,000 to each family for making hut and provided ration as well. By September 2008, around 100 makeshift were made by the Bengali Muslim settlers.
Further it is learnt that in the meantime a few families of Bengali settler families those who have cultivable land went back to their previous houses in Dighinala and Baghaichari upazilas. Many others who have good sources of income also want to return to previous locations. But the army authority is yet to allow them.
Follow-up of Bengali settlement programme in Sajek
In August 2008, Lt. Col. Sajid Imtiaz, commanding officer (CO) of Baghaihat army zone was transferred from Baghaihat zone and a new CO has been appointed there. The new CO stopped providing fund and ration to the Bengali settler families since mid-September 2008. He also ordered the settlers to give back lands to the Jumma people except the lands purchased ones in the meantime. Consequently, many families of the settlers returned to their own houses at Muslim Block Para of Baghaichari upazila and Hajachara of Dighinala upazila.
It is important to note here that Ladu Moni Chakma alias Jadu Moni of Retkaba village of Sajek union was brutally killed by Bengali settlers on 19 August 2008 and the CHT Commission raised the incident of it with the Chief Advisor Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed of Caretaker Government of Bangladesh in September 2008. In addition, the UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation) submitted a report on CHT to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2008 on which Bangladesh Government is supposed to face hearing in February 2009. It is speculated that the present Caretaker Government, in order to have favourable position on the situation in Baghaihat area under Sajek union in particular, took up such a soft stance.
Judge Court grants bail for indigenous activists in Khagrachari
Very recently, newly introduced judge court in Khagrachari district granted bail to some indigenous activists. Among them, PCJSS central leader Mr. Tatindra Lal Chakma got bail on 25 September 2008, PCP leader Mr. Bholash Tripura on 7 October 2008 and Anunay Chakma Manas on 14 October 2008. They all were arrested after the promulgation of state of emergency.
PCJSS member harassed by police and intelligent personnel in Khagrachari
On 18 October 2008 police of Khagrachari police station and intelligent personnel arrested PCJSS members namely Buddha Kinkar Chakma Samichin and Priti Chakma for half an hour at Khagrachari police station in charging for photocopying of the "Report of the eminent citizens' visit to Chittagong Hill Tracts". They were released after confining them for half an hour at police lockup of Khagrachari police station.
Commercial afforestation by Destiny-2000 by occupying Jumma's land in Bandarban
Destiny-2000, a multi-level marketing company in Bangladesh, undertook afforestation programme for commercial purposes in Bandarban district by purchasing lands that was leased out to non-residents of CHT. It is also alleged that Destiny also occupied private lands owned by indigenous Jumma villagers.
It is learnt that on 10 September 2008 local people droved out Destiny workers while they were cleaning land by setting fire with kerosene on existing forest and orchard owned by indigenous Jumma villagers at Chemi Dalupara area under Bandarban sadar upazila (sub-district). After driving out from there, they later tried to occupy the land owned by one Bengali permanent resident named A K M Jahangir. Following this incident, complain has been lodged with the headman court.
Khiyang Adivasi leader Mr. Bachha Khyang, Karbari of Chemi Dalu Para Mr. Achhomong and villager of Gungurumuk Para Mr. Chinghla Khiyang said that they opposed the workers of Destiny when they came to occupy their lands. A Bengali resident Mr. Jahangir also alleged that the workers of Destiny occupied and set fire a portion of his orchard. Contractor of Destiny who is involved in afforestation confessed ablaze of a portion of Jahangir's orchard.
It is worth mentioning that CHT Peace Accord signed in 1997 between the government of Bangladesh and indigenous people's political party PCJSS stipulates, "Out of the lands allotted to non-tribal and non-local persons for rubber and other plantations, the lease (allocation) in respect of the lands of those who did not undertake any project during the last ten years or did not properly utilize the lands shall be cancelled." It is also mentionable that al most all the leases were not utilized. However, though eleven have passed after signing of the Accord, no allotment (lease) has yet been cancelled.
Indigenous people demand constitutional recognition
The Daily Star, 21 October 2008, RU Correspondent
Indigenous leaders at a convention yesterday demanded their constitutional recognition and ensuring their rights to their mother tongue, culture and land. They also demanded formation of a separate land commission for them and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue.
The First Convention of the Adivasi Chhatra Parishad (ACP) was held at the Rajshahi Zila Parishad auditorium. Eminent litterateur Prof Hassan Azizul Haque inaugurated the two-day convention that was attended by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Raja Debashish Roy as the chief guest. Harendra Nath Sing, convener of Adivasi Chhatra Parishad (ACP), presided over the programme.
Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University, Prof Dr Sujit Sarker, Prof Mahmudul Hassan of Rajshahi University, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad President Anil Marandi, General Secretary Rabindranath Saran, Rajshahi district president Bimal Chandra Rajwar, Hiran Mitra Chakma, central secretary of Pahari Chhatra Parishad, student leader Pavel Partha and Debashish Pramanik Debu spoke on the occasion.
Debashish Roy said that the country's indigenous community played a vital role in different democratic movements, including the Language Movement and the liberation war. However, they are still deprived of their rights, he observed. He assured that he would discuss with the government to preserve their rights.
While reading out a written statement, ACP Joint Convener Manik Saran placed a 10-point demand. The demands include five percent quota for the indigenous people in educational institutions and government services, introducing the indigenous children's mother tongue as the medium of their primary education, including indigenous language at university language department, establishing indigenous education, culture and research centre in every educational institutions, launching indigenous students' scholarship, construct indigenous students dormitories in all educational institutions and appoint indigenous teachers at indigenous primary school.
Earlier, ACP brought out a colourful rally that paraded different city streets.
Unite to realise constitutional rights of indigenous people- Shantu Larma urges students
The Daily Star, 22 October 2008
It is the time for the students of indigenous community to get united to realise their constitutional and basic rights, said Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma alias Shantu Larma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, yesterday.
At a freshers' reception at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University, he said members of the indigenous community are deprived of their constitutional rights and victims of harassment and suppression.
The reception was organised by Bangladesh Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad to receive all indigenous students who were admitted to different educational institutions including Dhaka University in the city this year.
Speaking as chief guest at the programme, Shantu Larma said, "We the members of indigenous community should continue our fight against communalism alongside our efforts to establish a democratic and progressive state," he added. Criticising the country's higher education system he said it helps students become communal instead of democratic and progressive.
Dr Harun-ur-Rashid, dean of social science faculty, who attended the programme as special guest, said to ensure higher education of the indigenous students Dhaka University fixed one percent admission quota for them from this year.
"All political parties should make their stand clear about the rights of indigenous people in their political manifestos," said Prof Mezbah Kamal of history department.
He also criticised the caretaker government for holding a meeting with Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojahid.
Criticising the deployment of military in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Prof Sadeka Halim of sociology department said the government should withdraw them from the area as local administration is there to control the law and order situation.
The programme was also addressed by Prof Mohammad Samad of Social Welfare Institute, Robaet Ferdous, associate professor of mass communication and journalism department, and Sanjib Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adibashi Forum.
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