Online News from CHT

Japanese MP suggests a roadmap to implement CHT peace accord

2009-12-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

By- Kapaeeng Foundation

New Age, 22 December 2009
Staff Correspondent
A visiting Japanese parliamentarian, Naoto Sakaguchi, on Monday urged the government to declare a roadmap for implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord singed in 1997.

‘The government should also earmark funds through a block allotment to implement the treaty,’ the member of the Japanese House of Representatives told reporters after a three-day tour of the Hill Tracts.

He suggested that the government should prioritise land dispute issue to implement the accord, which was signed after more than two decades of armed insurgency in the hilly region.

Ain O Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal, deputy head of Information and Cultural Division of Japanese Embassy Ken Komine and CHT Commission coordinator Hana Shams Ahmed, among others, were present at the briefing held at the Kendra office at Lalmatia in the city.

Sakaguchi, a leader of Democratic Party of Japan, also said that his government would provide assistance in implementing the CHT accord if the Bangladesh government needs help from them.

Emphasising on the sustainable tourism, he said Japanese government is ready to support sustainable tourism as it would generate employment in the country.

However, sustainable tourism is an industry committed to leave a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income and employment for the local people.

The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development is a positive experience for local people, tourism companies, and tourists themselves. But sustainable tourism is not the same as ‘eco-tourism’.

Naoto Sakaguchi, also a member of foreign affairs committee of the Japanese House, also emphasized the need for industrialization of the CHT, saying, ‘Industrialization should be given priority along with agriculture to boost the economic condition of the CHT.’

The area of Chittagong Hill Tracts, comprising the three hilly districts of Rrangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, is about 13,184 sq kms, which is approximately one-tenth of the total area of Bangladesh.

The CHT is a distinct region in terms of its ethnic, cultural and environmental diversity compared to the rest of Bangladesh.

Tourism Development in violation of CHT Accord

2009-12-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

By -PCJSS
On 23 December 2009 in a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry undertook decision to promote tourism industry in CHT. The meeting was held at CHT Development Board conference in Rangamati with Committee Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed in chair. The meeting was attended by members of the parliamentary standing committee, namely, planning minister Air Vice Martial (rtd) A K Khandakar, Md. Azizul Haque Chowdhury MP, Hamida Banu MP, Nawab Ali Abbas Khan and Shamsul Islam. Besides, secretary of planning ministry Habibullah Majumdar, secretary of CHT affairs ministry Masud Ahma, chairman of Tourism Corporation Hemayet Uddin Abdul Malek, deputy director of UNDP-CHTDF Prasenjit Chakma and Orshowja Chakma.

As part of the tourism development in CHT, the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry decided to build road along the bank of Kaptai Lake. The road will be connected with Bandarban, Khagrachari and Chittagong districts. Decision was also taken to set up cable car, zoo and recreation centre for children along the road side.

It is mentionable that as per CHT Accord, the subject of ‘local tourism’ was vested with the three Hill District Councils (HDCs). As apex body of special administrative arrangement for CHT region, the CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) has the right to coordinate and supervise the subjects.

However, the subject of local tourism is yet to be transferred to HDCs. The parliamentary standing committee did not discuss to transfer subject to the HDCs. Moreover, the parliamentary standing committee undertook this decision without having consultation with HDCs and CHTRC. Even, representatives of these institutions were not invited in the meeting. Hence the decision of development of tourism in CHT is direct violation of CHT Accord. Though present government has been reiterating its commitment to implement CHT Accord fully, however, no initiative for implementation of main issues of the CHT Accord except reconstitution of few committees has been undertaken during the tenure of last one year.

It is also learnt that upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Bandarban sadar upazila (sub-district) Mr. Anupam Barua set up tourist centre at Kana Para area under Bandarban upazila by occupying land of indigenous people. A connecting road is also being constructed by the food for work project.

The owners of this land, namely, Mr. Mong Nue Prue Marma, Mr. Lal Lung Ruyal Bawm and Mr. Lal Pian Than Bawm contacted with UNO and objected against the construction of tourist centre on their land. However, UNO rejected their claims and filed case against them with Bandanban police station.

The owners of land submitted memorandum to state minister of CHT affairs ministry Mr. Dipankar Talukdar seeking justice and security. But no action has been taken against it so far.

National Roundtable on ILO Convention 169 and Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament held in Dhaka

2009-12-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

By-Kapaeeng Foundation

On 20 December 2009 a national roundtable on ‘ILO Convention 169’ and ‘Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’ was organized by ILO and RDC at Spectra Conventional Centre, Gulshan, Dhaka. The objective of the roundtable was to create awareness on ILO C169 and advocate Parliamentary role on Indigenous Peoples issues.

The first session of the roundtable with theme “Ratification of ILO C169: Way Forward” had started at 10 o’clock chaired by Prof. H K S Arefin. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of the CHT Affairs Ministry was present as Chief Guest and Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary In-charge of CHT Affairs Ministry was present as special guest at the first session. Country Director of ILO Ms Panudda Boonpala had delivered welcome speech.

Mr. Coen Kompier, Senior Labour Standard Specialist, ILO Delhi office had presented the overview of ILO 169. Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Member of CHT Regional Council and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum spoke as panel discussant.

State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukdar reiterated government commitment to implement the CHT Accord. He expressed his optimism that present government would ratify the ILO Convention 169 as most of the rights contained in the ILO 169 were recognized by the CHT Accord. He expressed his support to form a parliamentarian caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that CHT Affairs Ministry already sent a letter to correct the derogatory matters regarding indigenous peoples from textbooks. He also informed that the government had already started the process of forming a separate land commission to settle the land disputes of the plain land indigenous people.

The Second Session with theme “Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh National Parliament” was held at 01 o’clock chaired by Dr. Harun-Ur-Rashid, Pro Vice Chancellor and moderated by Mr. Hasanul Haque Inu, MP. Prof. Mesbah Kamal had presented the Key note Paper on `Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’,

Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura MP, Chairman, Task Force for Rehabilitation of Jumma Refugee and IPD’s was present as Chief Guest at the second session and Mr. Shawkat Momen Shahjahan MP from Tangail, Ms Rubi Rahman MP, Rawshan Jahan MP and Shanaullah Lovelu were present as special guest.

Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura said that it was good initiative to form a parliamentary caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that Prime Minister would support if she was convinced the right things. He was optimistic to implement the CHT Accord by the present government within rest 4 year tenure. However, he expressed his concerns over anti-accord activities of extreme nationalist and communal groups in the banner of Sama Odhikar Andolon.

MPs who attended roundtable as special guest supported the initiative of ILO and RDC to form a parliamentary caucus. They expressed their commitment to work for the causes of indigenous peoples.

Finally national roundtable formed a committee with following Parliament Members to works for forming a ‘Parliament CAUCUS for indigenous peoples’ causes’ within next parliament session-

(a) 5 MPs of indigenous peoples;

(b) 3 MPs from Awami League (namely Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, Rubi Rahaman and Rawshan Jahan;

(c) 2 MPs from Workers’ Party (Rashed Khan Menon and Fazle Hossain Badshah;

(d) 1 MP from Jatiya Samastantrik Dal (Hasanul Haque Inu).

The roundtable also formed a 3-member technical support committee with Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Mr. Mesbah Kamal and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong.

The roundtable was ended with vote of thanks by Abhilash Tripura, National Coordinator, Promotion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of ILO Dhaka office.

Climate change victims’ settlement

2009-12-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

By-http://www.newagebd.com/2009/dec/21/fb.html

I wholeheartedly agree with Aongay Marma’s letter on the subject (December 19). The victims of climate change should not be settled in the CHT where the indigenous people are already under immense pressure for survival. The government must negotiate with sparsely populated countries like Australia, Canada and also with Nepal and Bhutan closer to home to take these settlers as well as other countries in South America. The cost of transportation and settlement and initial settling in period should be fully met from the climate change fund, with opportunities for schooling, retraining, etc. as may be necessary.

When the last mini Ice Age collapsed about 12000 years ago, the sea level rose by about 15 metres; (and amongst other things) creating the modern Black Sea and separating Great Britain from Europe. The people who dwelt at the time at the bottom of the Black Sea are the ones who discovered farming and grain production (as against mere nomads of small tribes) to sustain manifold increase in population and establishment of towns and cities and fixed abodes. When their world was drowned out (perhaps this was Atlantis), they migrated with their tools, equipment and knowledge to unpopulated parts of Europe starting with parts of modern Turkey and the Balkans and it is their descendants who now populate Europe.

So climate change and population migration to sparsely populated areas have happened before on earth (perhaps many times) and this has to be taken on board now in a planned global scale without putting pressure on communities who are already under pressure. With good will, adequate funding and spirit of adaptation this could be accomplished.

Engineer Shafi Ahmed
London, UK

Chakma woman attempted to rape by an army in Nanyachar

2009-12-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation

Introduction

On 8 November 2009 an army from Ghilachari army camp under Nanyachar army zone of 1 Bir Bengal allegedly attempted to rape a Chakma woman named Ms. Jamuna Chakma (21) w/o Shyamal Kanti Chakma of Krishnamachara village of Ghilachari union under Naniachar upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. The culprit was identified as Md. Ziaul. Later local people observed road blockade programme protesting against the incident. During the road blockade programme, agitated people allegedly hit and broke the glasses of an army pick-up. On the contrary, army personnel beat the protesters with stick and firewood leaving some women and men seriously injured.

Beginning of the incident

On that day around 3:00 pm Ms. Jamuna Chakma went to nearby well to bring water. At that time, army person Md. Ziaul also went there from their nearby sentry post in name of bringing drinking water. When he found Ms. Jamuna Chakma alone, he tried to grab her from behind and attempted to rape. But Ms. Jamuna Chakma could narrowly run away and reach nearby turmeric and ginger field where some Jumma villagers were working.

No sooner of the incident, husband of Ms. Jamuna Chakma along with neighboring villagers went to the Ghilachari camp and put objection against Md Ziaul. The camp authority, making eye-watch punishment to the culprit, tried to terminate the matter by offering some money to husband of Ms. Jamuna.

Immediate protest

But the local people and the victim’s husband did not agree on the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority. That’s why, soon after hearing the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority, the local people in participation of a huge number of women brought out a procession protesting the incident.

At one stage, on that day around 5:00 pm Lt. Colonel Md. Mushfikur Rahaman, Commander of Nanyachar army zone visited the spot and gave assurance of appropriate punishment of the actual criminal to the people demonstrating.

Demonstration continues, demands to the upazila leaders visiting the spot

On 9 November 2009, the local people again brought out a procession at Ghilachari area along the Rangamati-Khagrachari road. At that time, Chairman of Nanyachar upazila council Mr. Pritimoy Chakma, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Nanyachar upazila Md Jahirul Islam, Chairman of Nanyachar union Mr. Panchanon Chakma, Chairman of Burighat union Mr. Pranati Ranjan Chakma and Chairman of Ghilachari union Mr. Mithu Chakma council visited the spot and at one stage, they were surrounded by the demonstrators. They were compelled by the demonstrators to give undertaking to fulfill the following demands:

(1) to punish the army involved with this incident without any delay;
(2) to withdraw Ghilachari army camp;
(3) to ensure security of life of the Jumma villagers;
(4) to stop harassment and torture on women;
Investigation Committee formed

On 12 November 2009 an Investigation Committee was formed in initiative of upazila chairman and upazila executive officer. The committee is as follows:

(1) Convener- Kumentu Chakma, vice chairman of Nanyachar upazila, (2) Member- Md. Rafique, S I of Nanyachar police station, (3) Member- Reni Chakma, women affairs officer of Nanyachar upazila, (4) Member- Mithu Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (5) Member- Babul Karmakar, representative of Awami League of Nanyachar upazila.

The Investigation Committee has not yet published any report.

Army surrounded local leaders’ and villagers’ houses

On 12 November 2009 a group of army from Ghilachari camp conducted operation at Ghilachari area. During the operation, army surrounded the houses of (1) Pulak Chakma, s/o Bandajya Chakma, member of No. 2 Ward of Ghilachari union council and (2) Ananta Bikash Chakma, s/o Jersen Chakma of Ghilachari village of Ghilachari union.

Again, on 13 November 2009 army encircled the houses of (1) Mithu Chakma, s/o Sukra Kumar Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (2) Amar Jiban Chakma, s/o Rabindra Nath Chakma, ex-chairman of Ghilachari union council and (3) Jogendra Chakma, s/o Mohan Banshi Chakma, member of No. 7 Ward of Ghilachari union council.

Again procession, hit on army pickup (car) and army attack on villagers

On 17 November 2009, the villagers again brought out a procession Ghilachari area along Khagrachari-Rangamati road. At one stage, protesters broke the front glass of a pickup of army when an army pickup was trying to overtake the procession and women protesters hit the army personnel with their wearing cloth ‘Pinon’. On the contrary, army also beat the demonstrators. In this brutal attack, the following persons were seriously injured:

(1) Ms. Jhinu Chakma (25) w/o Kalaboa Chakma, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(2) Ms. Maya Chakma (15) d/o Buddha Kumar Chakma, student of class 9 of Mahaprum high school, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(3) Ms. Chadra Mela Chakma (36) w/o Suresh Kumar Chakma (Barpeda), village- Kutukchari Nich Para of Kutukchari union,
(4) Mr. Anil Chakma (42) s/o Nandi Kumar Chakma, village- Pakujyachari of Mahalchari upazila of Khagrachari district,
(5) Ms. Kalabi Chakma (45) w/o Rajmoni Chakma, village- Kutukchari Badalama chara of Kutukchari union.
Among them, the first 4 persons were got admitted to Rangamati general hospital with serious injury.

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Regional Consultation on ILO Conventions and IPs Issues held in Bandarban

2009-12-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation

On 7 November 2009 Regional Consultation on ILO Conventions No.107 and 169 and Indigenous Peoples Issues in Bangladesh was held Bandarban Hill District Council Auditorium in Bandarban district.

The regional consultation was jointly organised by Kapaeeng Foundation and International Labour Organisation (ILO). Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman of CHT Regional Council was present as chief guest at the inaugural session of the consultation while Raja Devasish Roy, Circle Chief of Chakma Circle presided over the session. Besides, Member of Bandarban Hill District Council Mr. Aung Prue Mro and representative of Circle Chief of Bohmong Circle Mr. Chaw Hla Prue Jimy were present at the inaugural session as special guest. Director of ILO Dhaka office Ms. Panudda Boonpala delivered welcome speech while A! ssistant General Secretary of Kapaeeng Foundation Mr. Pallab Chakma conducted the session.

Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma in his speech said that several rights of the ILO Convention no. 107 and 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples were recognised in the CHT Accord. However, he added that though 12 years after the signing of the Accord have passed, the main provisions of the Accord remain either unimplemented or partially implemented. He urged CHT leadership including traditional and political leaders to play active role to implement the Accord and ILO convention for the sake of indigenous peoples. He also emphasised on good relation between and effective coordination of CHT Regional Council and three Hill District Councils.

Ms. Panudda Boonpala said that ILO would work for vocational training and capacity building of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. He believed that government of Bangladesh would consider for ratification of ILO Convention 169.

Mr. Aung Prue Mro demanded to declare Chimbuk hilly range under Bandarban district as Mro region. Mro community is one of the smallest ethnic groups in CHT.

The inaugural session was followed by three working sessions. First session focused on aims and objective of ILO activities in Bangladesh, overview of PRO 169 activities in Bangladesh and ILO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (Convention 107, 169 and 111). Challenges in the implementation of CHT Accord and ways forward was discussed at the second session. Third session discussed on Land Rights and Land Disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Speakers said that the government of Bangladesh should ratify ILO convention on 169 as it is progressive version of ILO convention 107 which was ratified by Bangladesh in 1972. They urged government to recognise the customary land rights of indigenous peoples immediately as per ILO convention 107 and 169. They raised voice to resolve the land disputes as per CHT Accord and to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHT Regional Council for the same. Speakers expressed hopes that Awami League-led present grand alliance government would come forward to implement ! the Accord as per her election commitment.

Around 80 participants from three hill districts of CHT from category of traditional leaders, public representatives, teachers, lawyers, returnee refugees, women rights activists, development workers, media activists, youths etc participated in the consultation. Among others, South Asia Coordinator of Pro 169 of ILO New Delhi Office Ms. Sara Webster, Member of the CHT Regional Council Mr. K S Mong, Ms. Unue Prue Chowdhury and Mr. Loyal Devid Bawn, Member of Rangamati HDC Mr. Abhilash Tanchangya, former Chairman of Rangamati HDC Goutam Dewan, Sanjeeb Drong and Shaktipada Tripura of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma of PCJSS, National Coordinator on Promotion of the Rights of IPs from ILO Dhaka office Mr. Abhilash Tripura, eminent academic Prof Mong Sa Nu at el attended the consultation. The consultation was followed by evening cultural programme.

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Ethnic minority people demand CID probe of Kartik Kisku murder

2009-11-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ethnic minority people in Rajshahi on Sunday demanded immediate arrest of and punishment for the killers of their elderly leader Kartik Kisku.

They made the demand from an hour-long human chain participated by over a hundred indigenous people under the banner of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad from 11:00 am.

Their leaders also demanded CID investigation into Kisku’s murder in village Joyda Adarpara under Godagari upazila of the district last week.

Addressing the human chain, leaders of the ethnic people said hired goons of local influentials and land grabbers had killed Kartik Kisku, 65, who was a leader of the Jatiya Adibashi Parishad.

Kisku went missing Tuesday afternoon. Locals found his body in a canal on Wednesday.

Kapaeeng Foundation

The speakers also complained that incidents of such killings and attack on ethnic minority communities had increased in the northern region in the recent times.

They also called upon the administration to take steps to protect their lives and property from the land grabbers.

They expressed grave concern that organised gangs, backed by local influential people, were killing ethnic minority people and driving them out from their homesteads in a planned way.

They also alleged that the influential people of the area were trying to cover up the incident and criticised the police for their inaction.

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Tripura school teacher sexual abused by Bengali settlers in Panchari

2009-11-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation

On 18 October 2009 at 11.00 am a pre-primary school teacher of UNICEF Para Kendra (16 years) of village Sindhu Karbari Para of Waduk Para of Panchari Mouza under Panchari upazila (sub-district) of Khagrachari district was abused by two unknown Bengali settler while taking bath near the stream.

It is learnt that while taking bath in stream suddenly two Bengali settlers came and made tighter her mouth and show knife and tried to rape her but due to shouting of victim culprit were fled away. Unfortunately she was not able to mention their name but confess that, those settler’s faces were known to her.

A FIR was lodged in Panchari police station and she was sent to Khagrachari sadar hospital for medical test. Local Tripura community leader Mr. Shushil Jibon Tripura, General Secretary of Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan (Welfare) Samsad (BTKS), Mr. Sukanta Tripura, Organizing Secretary of BTKS Headman Khetra Mohan Roaza, Chairperson of Durbar Network Shefalika Tripura, General Secretary of Khagrapura Mahila Kalyan Samity (KMKS) Shapla Tripura, Kuheli Chakma of Durbar Network, Advocate Anupam Chakma, Legal Adviser of Zabarang Kalyan Samity, Pramod Bikash Tripura, EX President of Tripura Student Forum, Bangladesh, Joytee Tripura, Office Secretary of BTKS has visited her in hospital.

After completing some formalities she was sent to Khagrachari Judicial Magistrate Court and it is learnt that a case was filled in Judicial Magistrate Court, Khagrachari.

Tripura woman raped by miscreants at Sonaichari in Chittagong

On 30 October 2009 an indigenous Tripura woman (19 years) was become a victim of gang raped in Sonaichari of Sitakunda under Chittagong district.

It is learnt that, in the hilly region of Keshabpur of Sonaichari Union under Sitakunda upazila (sub-district) a 19 years young girl from Rangamati (who was there to visit their relatives) was gang raped by local Union Parishad (Local government council councilor) member Jahur and his 7 associates. Forcefully she was taken by them in the hilly region at evening.

She was recovered by her relatives unconsciously at next morning and then taken to Sitakunda police station. After filling a case at Sitakunda police station she was examined by doctors.

Case was filled against Jahur Member (45), Suman (28), Hannan (32), Nuruzamman (42), Shamim(32), Selim (34) and Mona (45). All of them were inhabitant of Keshabpur village under Sonaichari Union of Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong district.

It is mentionable that Sitakunda area is exclusively indigenous Tripura inhabitant area especially in mountain region of Sitakunda and very unfortunately it has become a common feature of this area. They are very poor and depend on forest resources.

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Meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee held

2009-11-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

By PCJSS

On 26 October 2009 meeting of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee was held at the office of Deputy Leader of the Parliament in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka. Presided over by Ms. Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Convenor of the CHT Accord Implementation Committee and Deputy Leader of the Parliament, the meeting was attended by other two members of the Committee, namely, Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, President of PCJSS and Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs.

Besides, among others, State Minister for Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, MP; Chairman of the CHT Development Board Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP; Chairman of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Mr. Khademul Islam; Secretary of MoCHTA Mr. Masud Ahmed and Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong division were also invited in the meeting.

The main agenda of the meeting was to assess the progress of the implementation of the CHT Accord. Among others, amendment of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendation of CHT Regional Council, transfer of subjects to the three Hill District Councils (HDCs), approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of separate offices for CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and appointment of adequate staffs for proper functioning of these offices, withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’ etc were discussed in the meeting.

In particular, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc through office order instead of the agreement between the HDC and concerned ministry were discussed.

Finally, decisions were made to set up three separate offices for the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee, CHT Land Commission and Task Force and to take effective measures for appointment of adequate staffs and providing logistic support for proper functioning of these offices.

In the meeting the issues of Land disputes and land survey were emphatically discussed. The Chairman of Land Commission emphasized for the land survey at the moment. Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and J B Larma, President of PCJSS in particular explained that unless land disputes were resolved through the Land Commission land survey could not be arranged in CHT.

Coordination Meeting of MoCHTA held

On 20 October 2009 a coordination meeting was held by the Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) at the conference hall of MoCHTA in Dhaka. Presided over by Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of MoCHTA, the following persons were present in the meeting-

(1) Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman, CHT Regional Council

(2) Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of the Returnee Refugees and IDPs

(3) Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and Chairman of the CHT Development Board

(4) Mr. Kyashwehla Marma, Chairman, Bandarban Hill District Council

(5) Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma, Chairman, Rangamati Hill District Council

(6) Mr. Ruithi Marma, Chairman, Khagrachari Hill District Council

(7) Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman, CHT Land Dispute Commission

(8) Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary and other Officials of MoCHTA

(9) Secretary of Land Ministry

(10) Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Directorate of Land Survey and Settlement

(11) Three Deputy Commissioners of three Hill Districts

(12) Superintendent of Police, Bandarban Hill district

(13) Mr. Jafar Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police, Khagrachari Hill district

(14) Additional Superintendent of Police, Rangamati Hill district

Discussion was held on the matters of law and order situation, land issues, brick field, development projects etc. of CHT in the meeting.

CHTRC Chairman Mr. J B Larma raised the issues of the implementation of the CHT Accord, transfer of subject to the HDCs prioritizing law and order, police (local), land and land management, secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism etc; withdrawal of all temporary camps and de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’; approval of Rules of CHT Regional Council and three HDCs; setting up of offices for the Task Force and Land Commission etc.

Jatindra Lal Tripura and Mr. Bir Bahadur said that Land survey should be, as per CHT Accord, conducted after resolution of the land disputes and rehabilitation of Jumma Refugees and internally Displaced Jumma Families.

In the meeting the Deputy Commissioners spoke about the law and order situation. Sourendranath Chakraborty, DC of Rangamati told that the law and order situation in the district was well. Incidents compared to Plain districts were less. But there were elements, who all the time made attempts to highlight the situation the worst just to create chaos. He explained how based on a rumour some elements (Bengalee muslims) got fullest preparation to set fire on the houses (of Jumma People) at Tribal Adam of Banarupa Area of Rangamati District Headquarter at deep night around 1.30 am on 01 September 2009. He personally went the spot and stopped the incident.

It is noted that there was instigation from the Settlers’ leaders in collaboration with some local army commanders. The Jumma people too were ready to resist the communal rioters.

DC of Bandarban reported that in the recent months 19 persons of Neighbouring Myanmar were killed and 11 arms were captured including three persons of so-called CHTNF (Chittagong Hill Tracts National Liberation Front), a small band of extortionists.

DC of Khagrachari reported the incident of arrest of Islamic terrorists on 3 October 2009 in Matiranga Thana Area.

Additional Superintendent Police (SP) of Khagrachari blamed UPDF (United Peoples Democratic Front) for extortion of money and creating chaos through holding rallies recently and he demanded banning of it.

In the meeting Mr. Khademul Islam, Chairman of the Land commission opined that he was a Justice and would function independently and would start land survey in CHT at the moment.

Mr. J B Larma told that Chairman of Land Commission is not independent rather a member of the Commission. CHT Accord says that land survey will be conducted after the completion of the rehabilitation programme and resolution of land disputes. He said that land problem in CHT should be resolved as per CHT Accord.

Dr. Aslam Alam, Director General of Land Records and Survey Department said that fund allocation should be made first and logistic supports should be provided for land survey in CHT. He added that if land survey were held that would take about 15 years and proper funding as well. So, that would not be possible at the moment.

Mr Dipankar Talukdar said that quoted the provision of the CHT Accord about the land survey and opined to have stern action against the Islamic fundamentalist terrorists in CHT. He reiterated to have implementation of the CHT Accord.

In fact, there was held discussion only and no specific decision was made in the meeting.

Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Education Minister held

On 27 October 2009 a 3-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Education Minister Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura and Mr. K S Mong Marma.

CHTRC delegation proposed to transfer subjects of secondary education, primary education in mother tongue and vocational education through office order and to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the draft Education Policy.

The Education Minister assured that he would see the points and try to do so. He also said that he would go to Rangamati for opinion sharing with the mass people on setting up a Science and Technology University in Rangamati. In replaying the query about setting up said university, CHTRC delegation said that they had reservation on this issue considering backward socio-economic condition of indigenous Jumma peoples and other related realities and circumstances. However, the CHTRC delegation invited Education Minister to visit Rengamati for opinion-exchange with residents of CHT and concerned authorities for the same.

Meeting between CHTRC Delegation and Law Minister held

On 25 October 2009 a 4-member delegation of CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) led by Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma called on Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry Mr. Shafique Ahmed at his office of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. The other members of the CHTRC delegation were Mr. Raktotpal Tripura, Mr. Mahbubur Rahman and Mr. K S Mong Marma. Secretary of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry was also present in the meeting.

CHTRC delegation submitted following points for implementation before Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry-

(a) to enact or amend any law related to CHT in consultation with CHTRC as per CHT Accord and CHTRC Act 1998;

(b) to synchronise CHT Regulation of 1900 with the CHT Accord, CHTRC Act 1998, HDC Acts 1998 and Rules of Business of MoCHTA;

(c) to transfer all subjects to the HDCs through office order instead of agreement between concerned HDC and concerned ministry;

(d) to appoint permanent residents giving priority to indigenous Jumma peoples to all jobs in CHT;

(e) to include recommendation of the CHTRC in the Education Policy;

(f) to conduct land survey in CHT after the resolution of land disputes and completion of rehabilitation programme;

(g) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHTRC;

The Law Minister assured that he would go through the points. In replying to the amendment of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001, he told that he would do so in consultation with Land Ministry. He also suggested the CHTRC delegation to send detailed proposal on issues of (a) and (b) items mentioned above from CHTRC soon and then he would take necessary action as per recommendation. He agreed to hold next meeting on these issues formally.

Indigenous people stage long march in 8 dists for rights

2009-11-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation

Thousands of indigenous people yesterday joined long marches in Natore, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Pabna, Bogra, Joypurhat, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur districts to press home their demand for forming a separate land commission to protect land rights of the indigenous people living in plain lands.

Jatiya Adivasi Parishad (JAP) organised the programmes.

Several hundred people marched about 30 kilometres from Kakonhat to reach Rajshahi deputy commissioner's office at around 2:00pm, reports our staff correspondent from Rajshahi.

They held a rally on the DC office premises and submitted a memorandum demanding formation of a separate land commission to resolve the land-related problems of the indigenous people of plain lands.

The indigenous people demanded stopping occupation of their lands in the name of land survey and using forged deeds.

Proper investigations should be carried out to resolve the land related problems in the plain lands, they said.

JAP President Anil Marandi led the demonstration in Rajshahi.

Thakurgaon unit of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday submitted memorandum to the prime minister through Thakurgaon deputy commissioner demanding their constitutional rights and formation of a separate land commission for the indigenous people of plan land, reports our Thakurgaon correspondent.

Indigenous people have suffered discriminations in different fields as the government did not pay proper attention to their cause, speakers said at the discussion organised by the indigenous people in front of the deputy commissioner's office.

Urging the government to save the indigenous people's land from grabbers, they said all fake documents prepared to occupy indigenous people's lands should be declared illegal.

They demanded withdrawal of all false cases against indigenous people.

After a procession that paraded different streets in the town, the participants started for Birol upazila under Dinajpur district where indigenous people from 16 districts of the northern region will attend a huge rally today.

Our Pabna correspondent adds: Jatiya Adivasi Parishad yesterday brought out a procession in Pabna town and submitted memorandum to the prime minister through the deputy commissioner's office demanding steps to establish rights of indigenous people living in plain lands.

Several hundred indigenous people joined a procession from the premises of Pabna Tarash Bhaban at noon.

After parading the main streets in the town, they held a protest meeting in front of Pabna Deputy Commissioner's Office.

President of district unit of JAP Ram Prashad Mahato chaired the protest meeting where indigenous leaders Jaleshar Mahato, Jagannath Mahato, Filip Samaddar Khakan, Suruti Mahato, Aloka Mahato spoke, among others.

The indigenous people contributed to making the land fertile but now they are neglected in their own country, speakers said at the meeting.

Indigenous people are becoming landless as criminals with the help of a section of officials are grabbing their lands, they said.

They demanded establishment of a separate land commission for the indigenous people living in plain lands so that they can live with dignity, maintaining own tradition and culture.

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PCJSS (Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)

2009-11-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation

On 15 October 2009 at 11.00 am, a school going girl named Jasho Bala Tripura (17), d/o Dugal Tripura of village Arbari of Bailyachari area under Guimara union of Matiranga upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari was molested by a Bengali settler Md. Hossen s/o Jasmat Ali of village Rasulpur under Matiranga in Khagrachari district while she was going to school. She is a Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) candidate from Matiranga Pilot High School. It is also learnt that, settlers leader whipped the culprit Md. Hossen and beg apology to Jumma leaders including Guimara Union Parishad councilor Renu Bala Tripura.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Guimara Thana, Sub-Inspector Mr. Badiuzzaman visited the spot afternoon but nobody has come to complain him.

Due to governments sponsored settler’s rehabilitation in CHT region Indigenous Jumma women were not secured in their own territory. Sociological and cultural disparity occurs; women were more vulnerable, molested, raped and killed everywhere nowadays even after signing the CHT Accord.
Reported by LARA.

Meeting of the Task Force held in Khagrachari

2009-11-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

PCJSS
Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)

On 5 October 2009 meeting of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and Internally Displace Persons was held at Khagrachari circuit house.

Presided over by Chairman of Task Force Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari constituency, the meeting was attended by following members of the Task Force-

1. Mr. Ruithy Karbari, Chairman of Khagrachari Hill District Council

2. Mr. Aung Prue Mro, Representative of the Chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council

3. Mr. Brishaketu Chakma, Representative of the Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council

4. Mr. Santoshita Chakma Bakul, Representative of Jumma returnee refugees

5. Major Lokman, Representative of GOC of 24th Infantry Division, Chittagong Cantonment

6. Mr. N A N Siddique, Member-Secretary of Task Force and Commissioner of Chittagong division

7. Mr. S M Shafi, Member of Task Force and Representative of Bengali community.

Due to unavoidable reason, representative of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) was absent. No representative from CHT Affairs Ministry attended the meeting. Concerned government officials including Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district and ADC of Rangamati and Bandarban district were also present in the meeting.

This meeting was an initial meeting of the newly reconstituted Task Force. There was no specific agenda item of the meeting for discussion. However, the agenda items of next meeting of the Task Force were decided. The agenda items were (1) to determine the process of identification and inclusion of actual internal displaced families; (2) 20-points package facilities; (3) holding of Task Force monthly meeting; (4) field level visit and staffing and funding of the Task Force.

As per decision to hold meeting of Task Force monthly, the next meeting is scheduled to hold in the month of November 2009.

--

Human rights groups urge Land Commission to cancel CHT land survey decision

2009-11-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation

(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)
On 7 October 2009 at a press conference held at Reporters’ Unity auditorium in Dhaka, human rights groups urged the Land Commission to scrap its decision to conduct a land survey in CHT before resolving the land disputes.

They made the demand following the announcement of the CHT Land Commission on September 8 to start a land survey from October 15 which will end on March 15 of next year.

The press conference titled 'Importance of resolving land dispute and land survey in CHT ' was organised jointly by the Association for Land Reform and Development Commission (ALRD), Ain O Salish Kendro, HDRC, Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Kapaeeng Foundation and Khagrachari Headmen Association. The press statement was signed by Rtd justice Md. Golam Rabbani, Ms. Sultana Kamal of Ain O Salish Kendro, Ms. Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, Prof. Abul Barakat of Dhaka University, Mr. Samshul Huda of ALRD, Mr. Sanjeeb Drong of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, Mr. Shakti Pada Tripura of Khagrachari Headmen Association, Mr. Sudatta Bikash Tanchangya of CHT Forest and Land Rights Movement and Mr. Dipayan Khisa of Kapaeeng Foundation.

Rights groups said in the written statement that the decision to conduct land survey in the CHT before resolving the disputes over the ownership of lands would only intensify the complexities. He added that the announcement of starting land survey before resolving the disputes over the ownership stands against the spirit of CHT Accord and the election manifesto of the government. He also raised question about the experience of the officials of the Directorate of Land Record and Survey to conduct land survey in CHT and said the decision to complete the land survey in CHT within five months is nothing but an imaginary plan.

They made following demands for total disputed land in CHT and strengthening the Land Commission-

(1) to stop any initiative of land survey in three hill districts of CHT;

(2) to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Acr 2001 as per recommendation during the current session of the Jatiya Sangsad on urgent basis;

(3) to identify land disputes of different places of CHT and to initiate for formulation of databse on this regard;

(4) to start land dispute sesolution in consultation with CHT Regional Council, Circle Chiefs, CHT Affairs Ministry and other concerned leaders of indigenous peoples as per CHT Accord;

(5) to appoint necessary officers and employees including secretary of Land Commission immediately in order to setting up of its office as per CHT Accord;

(6) to strengthen Land Commission as independent commission in accordance with democratic norms to ensure that it could not be turned a rubber of any person;

(7) to allot adequate fund for strengthening and making office of the Land Commission effective.

The statement of the rights group was read out by Samshul Huda, Executive Dircetor of ALRD while former Justice Golam Rabbani and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum General Secretary Sanjib Drong were present at the press conference.

==============

Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban issued unlawful letter to Headmen

2009-11-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)

On 23 September 2009 Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bandarban district Mr. Mizanur Rahman issued a letter to all Headmen of Bohmong circle ordering not to issue any land deed to any person without permission from him. Issuance of this letter is controdictory to the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples in CHT. He also threatened that Headman would be removed from his headmanship if any Headman handed over such deed.

It is mentionable that according to Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation of 1990, Headmen of CHT region have the rights to give settlement of 0.30 acre of land to any mouza resident and accordingly to issue land deed to him.

It is also worth mentioning that the land lands under the jurisdiction of mouza are regarded as common property of mouza residents. The common lands are those which belong to the indigenous community with shared rights of access. The indigenous people have right to these lands and its resources, by virtue of their common ownership of these areas, and traditional economic activities such as fishing, hunting and gathering are carried out in these areas. Jum lands fall within this category, as do the lands used for orchards, grazing and for growing sungrass (used to make thatched roofs). The forests are also included within this category of mouza commons, and are the common property pf the indigenous community with equal rights of access, use and extraction.

However, Deputy Commissioner of Bandarban issued this letter violating the rights of indigenous Jumma peoples and rights & responsibilities of Headmen. He one-sidedly claimed these lands as state-owned. He also indiscriminately alleged against the Headmen to have involved with corruption.

DC also issued a letter to Mr. Loyal Devid Bawm, a member of CHT Regional Council to stop construction of building for tribal museum at Shita Pahar (Chimbuk-Thanchi road) of Pantala mouza under Ruma upazila in Bandarban district. He claimed that construction of building on government land without permission is illegal. However, Mr. Bawm got permission/recommendation from Mr. Lumlai Mro, Headman of Pantala mouza & local Jumma villagers and accordingly applied for registration for this land.

Local residents believed that DC of Bandarban district starts these activities when the possibility of functioning of land commission for resolution of land disputes in CHT is seen.

Marma girl raped and then kidnapped by Bengali settler in Sindukchari

2009-11-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

On 4 September 2009 an orphan Marma girl (13 years) of Nakbai Para of Sindukchari area under Mahalchari upazila in Khagrachari district was raped and then kidnapped by Bengali settler named Md. Ripan (35) s/o Shahjahan Patowari of Zianagar village under Manikchari upazila in Khagrachari district.

It is learnt that Md. Ripan, a construction labour who has two wives was brought as labourer by Mr. Babul contractor Tintahari village of Manikchari upazila to work for construction of culvert of Drung stream at Nakbai village under Sindukchari union. The victim along her family lives near the Drung stream. Md. Ripan frequently visits victim’s house in the name of drinking of water.

On 4 September 2009 victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma went to the Pathachara Buddhist temple to attend the funeral ceremony of the monk leaving victim alone at the house. By taking advance of this opportunity, Md. Ripan entered the house of victim and offered victim to go with him for searching job at garment factory. At a stage, Md. Ripan raped the victim and then kidnapped forcefully.

Victim was taken to Noakhali district. On 14 September 2009 two constables named Md. Rafiq and Tajul Islam arrested Md. Ripan along with the victim in Noakhali while Md. Ripan along the Marma girl was suspiciously moving there. Md. Ripan and victim were handed over to the Guimara police station on 15 September 2009. On that day, victim’s mother Ms. Myama Marma filed a raping and kidnapping case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Mr. Ripan on 15 September 2009. On 16 September statement of the culprit Md. Ripan and the victim was taken by the judicial magistrate court of Khagrachari district.

On 15 September the victim was taken to Khagrachari district hospital for medical check-up. But the medical report is yet to be received.

Tripura girl tried to rape by Bengali settler in Sindukchari

On 13 September 2009 a Tripura girl (18 years) of Manjoy Karbari Para of Sindukchari area under Mahalchari upazila in Khagrachari district was tried to rape by a Bengali settler named Md. Alamgir (27) s/o Altaf Munsi of Muslim Para of Sindukchari area.

It is learnt that on that day around 11.00 am victim was taking lunch for her father at Jum field of Choto Mura Para under Sindukchari, at that time Md. Alamgir blocked her and tried to be closed by talking with the victim. But failing to be closed, Alamgir first hit victim from the back that cause to falling lunch basket from hand of victim. At this stage, victim tried to run for escaping, but Alamgir caught her from the back. At a stage of scuffle, victim became naked and was pulled to the bottom of hill of Paisongchara. Then Alamgir tried to rape and kill by holding victim’s throat tight. Hearing the shouts, victim’s father Shaheed Kumar Tripura proceeded toward the spot. Sensing the present of victim’s father, Alamgir rapidly left the spot. Victim sustained several injuries including nose and mouth.

After rescuing his daughter, victim’s father Mr. Matindra Kumar Tripura went to the office of the Sindukchari union and put objection before the chairman and members of the union. At that time, Mr. Rashedul Islam Bhuiyan, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Guimara police station was also present at Sindukchari union office. But he did not take any action against the culprit. Victim filed a case under section 10 of Women and Children Repression (Amendment) Act of 2003 against Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009. But police did not arrest the culprit so far.

Durbar Network and several women organisation organised press conference protesting violence against Jumma women including following three incidents, such as-

(1) rape of Chakma woman (20 yrs) with disabilities by Grameen Bank named Nazrul Islam in Dighinala on 31 July 2009,

(2) killing of Ponemala Tripura by Bengali settlers on 3 September 2009 at Sindukchari and

(3) rape and kidnapping of Tripura girl (18 yrs) by Md. Alamgir on 13 September 2009.

The rights groups demanded arrest and trial of Bengali settlers involved with these incidents.

==============
Kapaeeng Foundation
(A human rights organisation for Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh)

A Chakma family chopped up by Bengali settlers in Kaukhali

2009-09-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation

On 12 September 2009 around 1.30 am a Chakma family was chopped allegedly by Bengali settlers at Choto Dulu Para under Kaukhali upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district ( Bangladesh ).

It is learnt that the head of family Mr. Basudev Chakma alias Boba (35) s/o Buddha Moni Chakma was seriously wounded. He was admitted at Kaukhali upazila hospital.
Detailed report is yet to be received.

Protest against the killing of Ponemala Tripura continue

2009-09-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation

Indigenous student demand examplary punishment of killers of Ponemala Tripura

On 6 September 2009 Bangladesh Indigenous Students Action Forum and Hill Students Council demanded proper enquiry of the killing of Ponemala Tripura and examplary punishement of Bengali settlers involved with this heirnous killing.

Indigenous students raised the demand during the protest rally and gathering jointly organised by Bangladesh Indigenous Students Action Forum and Hill Students Council on 6 september 2009 around 11.00 am at Oparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University.

Mr. Sohel Hajong, President of Bangladesh Indigenous Students Action Forum says, ”The killing of Ponemala Tripura must be conducted immediate enquiry and the CHT Accord should be implemented to ensure rules of law and good governace in the region.”

Mr. Mongwain Marma of Marma Students Council says, ”A vested interest group is trying to foil implementation of CHT Accord. The killing of Ponemala Tripura is a part of this conspiracy.”

Mr. Bablu Chakma of Hill Students Council says, ”Oppression upon the indigenous peoples including CHT regions will be prevented through waging strong movement.”

The protest rally and gathering also demanded to stop all atrocities committed against indigenous peoples, to withdraw all temporary camps and de facto military rule ’Operation Uttoron’ as per CHT Accord, to take necessary action against the communal, extreme fanatic and fundmentalist activties and to implement CHT Accord fully.

The protest rally and gathering was presided over by Prasenjit Chakma while conducted by Sohel Hajong. Among others, Bhuban Roaza of Tripura Students Forum, Sujan Hajong of Hajong Students Union, Khokoneshwar Tripura of Bangladesh Indigenous Student Action Forum spoke at the protest. Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum and Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) also extended solidarity with indigenous students’ protest.

It is mentionable that on 3 September 2009 at night Ponemala Tripura (50) w/o Bhibishan Tripura was killed allegedly by a group of Bangeli settlers at Sindukchari village of Sindukchari union under Mahalchari upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari district.

============

The Daily Star, 10 september 2009

'Arrest killers of Panay Mala' Protest Rally at Khagrachhari demands

Leaders of different indigenous organisations yesterday demanded immediate steps to arrest the killers of Panay Mala Tripura, 50. The indigenous woman was murdered on the night of September 3 at Craijongpara under Mohalchhari upazila.

At a protest rally in front of Khagrachhari Press Club, the speakers alleged that Panay Mala was killed in a planned way by some settlers to grab her land.

Blaming police, they said a sub-inspector (SI) was giving shelter to the accused in exchange of bribes. They also criticised Mohalchhari upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) saying he did not take security measures to protect the woman.

They also asked the authorities concerned to arrest the killers immediately and hand over the land and property of Panay Mala to her heir and ensure security of the victim's family.

The protest rally was presided by Jana Sanghati Samity district unit secretary Sudhakar Tripura.

Among others, Durbar Network Khagrachhari district unit member Shapla Tripura, Bangladesh Tripura Kalyan Samity treasurer Ananta Bikash Tripura, ex-Pajurico chairperson Namita Tripura, Bangladesh Marma Students Council district unit president Sunendhu Marma spoke.

Earlier, about a hundred indigenous people formed a human chain in front of Khagrachhari Press Club for over an hour demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to the killers of Panay Mala Tripura.

==============

Update of arrest of innocent Tripura villager

Sholo Ana Tripura (38) s/o Sajai Tripura who was arrested on 6 September 2009 by the police in connection with the killing of Ponemala Tripura was sent to Khagrachari district jail on 7 september.

Bhibishan Tripura, husband of deceased Ponemala Tripura claimed that Sholo Ana Tripura was an innocent and not involved with the killing. It is alleged that police arrested him to divert the incident to wrong direction. By arresting Sholo Ana Tripura, police tried to show that the incident was committed due to village conflict among Tripura community and Bengali settlers were not involved with this incident.

Follow-up of killing of Ponemala Tripura

2009-09-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation
Sources reported that on 6 September 2009 police arrested an innocent Tripura villager named Sholo Ana Tripura from Sindukchari. Bhibishan Tripura, husband of deceased Ponemala Tripura claimed that Sholo Ana Tripura was not involved with the killing. Bhibishan Tripura told it to OC of Guimara police station and urged OC to release him. But OC did not release him.

It is alleged that police authority in association with local civil and military administration is trying to divert the incident to another direction. By arresting Sholo Ana Tripura, they tried to show that the incident was committed due to village conflict among Tripura community and Bengali settlers were not involved with this incident.

Tripura woman killed allegedly by Bengali settlers in Mahalchari

2009-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundatio

On the night between 3-4 September 2009 one indigenous Tripura woman named Ponemala Tripura (50) w/o Bhibishan Tripura was allegedly killed at Sindukchari village of Sindukchari union under Mahalchari upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari district. Her dead body was recovered from their Jum (traditional shifting cultivation) field of Sindukchari by the villagers in the morning on 4 September. Four Bengali settlers were suspected to have involved with this killing.

It is learnt that this year Ponemala Tripura and her husband Bhibishan Tripura have cultivated two jum farms for more earnings. Both Husband and wife stayed night separately to protect corps from wild animals at temporary jum houses. They usually worked at their jum farms and stayed separately at two jum farms on 3 September. On that day at dawn her husband Bhibishan Tripura called her but he (husband) did not receive any response from his wife (Ponemala) and went to the jum house where his wife was staying. But he did not found her there. Then Bhibishan suspected that something is wrong. Then and there he informed it to the local Tripura community people and they started searching jointly nearby jungle of jum farms and lastly they found her dead body at one kilo far from her jum field.

It is widely believed that she was kidnapped from her jum farm and murdered at the night (3-4 September 2009). This jum farm is two kilometer far from the locality (Tripura village). It is also learnt that she has land dispute with following settler’s leader namely-

1) Md. Afsar Gazi, s/o Hamid Gazi of Sindukchari,

2) Khairul Islam, s/o late Azgar Ali of Sindukchari,

3) Rustam Ali, s/o unknown of Sindukchari,

4) Noab Ali, s/o late Afsar Gazi of Sindukchari in Khagrachari district.

Several times they went there to grab the land of Ponemala. Local Tripura community people and police went to the spot for recovering her body.

Update on the killing of Ponemala Tripura

Source said that the incident of killing of Ponemala Tripura was committed allegedly by Bengali settlers namely Md. Afsar Gazi, Khairul Islam, Rustam Ali and Noab Ali, in order to occupy Ponemala Tripura’s land. Ponemala Tripura also applied for registration of this land.

It is learnt that the Bengali settlers first tried to occupy land of Ponemala Tripura in 2006. That time settlers failed to occupy due to stong role of CHT Regional Council and Civil Society. However, Bengali settlers destroyed huge orchard that planted by Ponemala Tripura on this land.

Again, Bengali settlers tried to occupy the land on 10 May 2009. That time, Bengali settlers make attack and again destroyed huge plantation. Even, they made new plantation. They threatened Ponemala Tripura and his husband to kill them if they deny to leave the land. Ponemala Tripura submitted written objection to Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, ruling MP from Khagrachari and also chairman of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.

Mr. Tripura forwarded this objection to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Mahalchari upazila (sub-district) Mr. Shariful Arif asking him to take necessary action on this case. However, UNO did not take any step against it.

It is allged that Ponemala Tripura became victimised due to neglience of UNO of Mahalchari upazila.

It is learnt that Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Guimara police station Mr. Rashed took signatures from four Tripura villagers namely Bhibishan Tripura (victim’s husband), Naba Mohan Tripura (victim’s son), Dohendra Tripura (villager elder) and Khanjoy Tripura (member of Sindukchari union) on a white paper when police went to spot for investigation. Police explained, during the taking signature, these singatires are nothing but just for witness that police went to spot for investigation. But it is alleged that with these signatures, OC of Guimara police station motivatedly filed a case under section 302 of Bangladesh panel code where OC did not mentioned names of the perpetrators of Bengali settlers. Rather only 5 unknown persons including four Bengalis and one Tripura were mentioned. In addition, mentioning of one Tripura is to make caes weak. But victim’s relatives did not believe that any Tripura could involve with this incident.

It is reported that military authorities of Sindukchari zone led by Lt. Colonel Kamrul of 32 Field Artilery and Guimara police station led by OC Rashed have been creating pressure on relatives including victim’s husband to make understanding with the Bengali settlers. For this purpose, Mr. Sui Nue Prue Chowdhury, chairman of Sindukchari union was asked to be present at Sindukchari zone on 6 September 2009 while victim’s relatives were asked to be present at Guimara police station.

Post mortem of dead body was done at Khagrachari district hospital on 5 September 2009. Post mortem report is yet to be received. It is reported that wound was found at victim right ear. But it is suspected that victim was killed sinking in the water of hill stream. Police did not arrest any body so far.

Tripura woman killed allegedly by Bengali settlers in Mahalchari

2009-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation

On the night between 3-4 September 2009 one indigenous Tripura woman named Ponemala Tripura (50) w/o Bhibishan Tripura was allegedly killed at Sindukchari village of Sindukchari union under Mahalchari upazila (sub-district) in Khagrachari district. Her dead body was recovered from their Jum (traditional shifting cultivation) field of Sindukchari by the villagers in the morning on 4 September. Four Bengali settlers were suspected to have involved with this killing.

It is learnt that this year Ponemala Tripura and her husband Bhibishan Tripura have cultivated two jum farms for more earnings. Both Husband and wife stayed night separately to protect corps from wild animals at temporary jum houses. They usually worked at their jum farms and stayed separately at two jum farms on 3 September. On that day at dawn her husband Bhibishan Tripura called her but he (husband) did not receive any response from his wife (Ponemala) and went to the jum house where his wife was staying. But he did not found her there. Then Bhibishan suspected that something is wrong. Then and there he informed it to the local Tripura community people and they started searching jointly nearby jungle of jum farms and lastly they found her dead body at one kilo far from her jum field.

It is widely believed that she was kidnapped from her jum farm and murdered at the night (3-4 September 2009). This jum farm is two kilometer far from the locality (Tripura village). It is also learnt that she has land dispute with following settler’s leader namely-

1) Md. Afsar Gazi, s/o Hamid Gazi of Sindukchari,

2) Khairul Islam, s/o late Azgar Ali of Sindukchari,

3) Rustam Ali, s/o unknown of Sindukchari,

4) Noab Ali, s/o late Afsar Gazi of Sindukchari in Khagrachari district.

Several times they went there to grab the land of Ponemala. Local Tripura community people and police went to the spot for recovering her body.

[This has been compiled in accordance with report circulated by Legal Aid and Research Advancement (LARA) Foundation, Khagrapur, Khagrachari, E-mail: lara_cht@yahoo.com]

Update: Searching operation on indigenous Chak localities in Naikhyingchari

2009-09-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sources confirmed that kidnappers released Mr. Hefazuddin, supervisor of rubber plantation, at 8.00 a.m. on 24 August 2009 at Alikadam. Following the release of the Hefazuddin, searching operation of BDR and RAB was stopped so far.
By PCJSS
It is learnt that innocent villagers namely Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak of Badurjiri village and Mr. Mong Wai Chak (20) s/o Kijairi Chak, Madyam Chak Para were produced before district magistrate court in Bandarban. A case (GR no. 199/09 under section 365/34 of Bangladesh penal code) was filed in connection with kidnapping against 10/12 unknown persons with Naikhyongchari police station. Aungchagya Chak and Mong Wai Chak were arrested as suspected with this incident.

It is also learnt that the miscreants comprising of 2 Chakma youths and one Chak youth named Kyasai Chak were caught by the local Chak villagers on 26 August 2009 and handed over to Naikhyongchari police station. Sources confirmed that they are merely an extortionist group. It is also reported that Kyasai Chak got allegedly involved with UPDF activities when he studied at Agriculture Diploma Institute of Shukarchari under Rangamati sadar upazila.

Discrimination against and Land Dispossession of Land of Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh

2009-09-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation
August 2009)

Discrimination and human rights violation is particularly glaring in the indigenous-inhabited regions, where they have continued to suffer from violent land-grabbing and other forms of land alienation. Few media reports published in August 2009 which reflect such land dispossession of and discrimination against indigenous peoples in Bangladesh are given below for your kind information and perusal:

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The daily Star, Saturday, August 22, 2009

Khagrachhari : 3,300 landless families await settlement

Jasim Majumder, Khagrachhari

At least 3,300 landless indigenous families have not yet got permanent settlement of the government land where they have been living for 30 years.

Sources said the government gave 20,625 acres upland (high land) to 3,300 families in 1979-1980 financial year under the 'Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board upland project' to settle floating indigenous people in CHT.

Each family was provided with 6.25 acres land and other facilities including house to make them financially independent.

According to deputy commissioner's (DC) office, the government rehabilitated 600 families in Bhaibonchhara, 580 families in Gasbon, 220 families in Bairafa, 600 families in Dighinala, 500 families in Matiranga under Khagrachhari district while 300 families in Bagaichhari area under Rangamati and 500 families in Bandarban.

The government also made a contract with those people in the same year of their rehabilitation (1979-1980) and assured them of giving permanent settlement with appropriate land documents by the authority concerned.

"As per the contract, we have been looking after the land and orchard since 1979-1980. The authority concerned is also taking 40 per cent of the total income every year according to the contract. But the government still keeps us as temporary caretakers," said Madhusudon Tripura, 50, a landless person of Gasbon area under Sadar upazila in the district.

When asked about the reason for delay, General Manager (GM) of the Upland Project under CHT Development Board Mohammad Ali Hydar said the settlement process was ignored due to negligence of former GM.

"I've already completed all process to bring 3,300 landless indigenous people under a permanent settlement as per the contract between them and the CHT Development Board," he said, adding that it now depends on the DC's office.

DC Mohammad Abdullah said the process could not be completed due to complication related to land and lack of a proper survey.

"We are not the sole authority for their permanent settlement. The three Parbatya Zilla Parishads are also responsible as per Parbatya Zilla Parishad Act, 1989," he said.

He said some 1,270 applications of the landless people were pending with the assistant commissioner's (land) office while 1,217 applications with DC office, 563 with Khagrachhari Hill District Council for land registration.

Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Ruhity Karbary said his office could not proceed due to some complication over land. But land registration of about 250 families has been completed and documents will be handed over to them by September 15, he added.

"To resolve the issue, the officials are working hard and we shall give the landless people documents of permanent settlement by October," he said.

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New Age, Dhaka, August 19, 2009

Cancel lease of 260 plots in CHT: JS panel

The parliamentary standing committee on CHT affairs ministry on Tuesday recommended cancellation of the 260 plots, leased out to influential people, for violating the terms and condition of the allotment.

The committee made the recommendation at its 5th meeting held at the Peda Ting Ting, a private tourist resort, on the bank of Kaptai Lake in Rangamati.

The committee asked the taskforce on rehabilitation of the repatriated tribal and internal refugees to become more active to find out their problems discussing with them.

The committee member, ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, presided over the meeting as its chairman Promod Mankin relinquished from the chairmanship for his induction in the cabinet as a state minister.

Committee members state minister for CHT affairs, Dipankar Talukder, chairman of CHT Development Board, Bir Bahadur, chairman of the taskforce on rehabilitation of the repatriated tribal and internal refugees, Jyotindra Lal Tripura, Ethin Rakhayin, Giasuddin Ahmed and secretary in-charge of the CHT affairs ministry, Muzammel Haque, attended the meeting.

After the meeting, ABM Fazle Karim said that the committee attached highest importance to cancellation of the 260 plots, which were not being used as per the terms and condition of the allotment.

The committee also recommended reorganising of the taskforce with requisite number of manpower to make it more active, he added.

Chairman of the CHT regional council, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma, also attended the meeting on special invitation.

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The Daily Star, Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Call to allocate lands for indigenous people

It is necessary to allocate lands for all indigenous people so that they can have shelters, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on land ministry AKM Mozammel Haque said at a discussion yesterday.

Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon in association with UNDP organised the discussion on 'Existence of Koch community people in Bangladesh and protecting their rights: Relevance of the UN declaration of 2007 regarding Adivasi' at Women's Voluntary Association (WVA) auditorium.

Hailing the decision of withdrawing army from Chittagong Hill Tracts, former ambassador Maj Gen (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury said it is courageous and dynamic decision of the government.

"Hill people are peace-loving and sons of the nature. They should not be pushed into conflict. It is a farce to talk peace while carrying firearms in hand," he said.

Chairman of Bangladesh Koch Adivasi Organisation Romesh Koch, general secretary Sushil Koch, Monoranjan Koch, a teacher and social worker, and lawmaker Shawkat Momen Shahjahan also spoke.

Journalist and writer Shahriar Kabir presided over the meeting. UNDP representative Hossain Shahid Suman was also present.

"Koch is one of the most ancient ethnic group in the country," said Prof Mesbah Kamal.

There are at least two lakh members of Koch community across the country, mostly in Gazipur, Rangpur and Sylhet, he said.

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The Daily Star, Wednesday, August 19, 2009

None Punished for Alfred Soren Murder in 9 Years

Sense of insecurity still haunts Bhimpur indigenous families

Indigenous communities and different NGOs yesterday observed ninth death anniversary of indigenous leader Alfred Soren who was killed in a land dispute on August 18, 2000.

They demanded security of the indigenous people and land rights through formation of a separate land commission for them.

A deep sense of insecurity still haunts the indigenous families at Bhimpur village in Naogaon where Soren was murdered.

Nearly 200 musclemen of local landlords killed Soren with a blueprint to evict evict 22 indigenous families from the village.

Soren's family members claimed at least seven families including those of Shreemonto Hembrom, Komol Soren and Anil Soren have left the village in the face of 'death threats' by local landlords.

Soren's wife Jyotsna Soren now lives in Dinajpur while her daughter Jhorna studies at a missionary school in Joypurhat.

Alfred Soren's brother Komol Soren said he fled to Tanore in Rajshahi following death threats by his brother's killers. The threats were issued immediately after Bhimpur police outpost was withdrawn in April, 2003, under pressure, he said.

Jatiya Adibashi Parishad and different other NGOs visited Bhimpur to place wreaths at Soren's grave and Jatiya Adibashi Chhatra Parishad formed a human chain in Rajshahi city to mark the day with protests.

Soren's killing sparked countrywide protests, forcing the then government to declare that the disputed lands belonged to the local indigenous people.

Now, nine years have passed but Alfred Soren murder case is still under trial.

Jatiya Adibashi Parishad general secretary Rabindranath Soren told The Daily Star that the government should immediately take steps to return 250 bighas of indigenous people's lands captured over the years by the local landlords.

Our RU Correspondent adds: The indigenous students in Rajshahi yesterday formed a human chain demanding speedy trial of Alfred Soren killing case.

Under the banner of Adivashi Chhatra Parishad, they also held a rally at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point demanding immediate arrest of the killers and speedy trial of the case.

Parishad president Harendranath Singh, general secretary Manik Saren, organising secretary Nabadeep Lakra and other leaders addressed the rally.

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The Daily Star, August 25, 2009

Prisoners of forest
Around 25,000 indigenous people left in the lurch as all govts ignored forest laws, their rights

Pinaki Roy

No government has ever complied with the forest laws to recognise the land rights of the indigenous Garo or Mandi and Koch people, traditional inhabitants of the Madhupur Sal Forest, but rather used the forestland for non-forestry purposes.

Around 25,000 indigenous people of 8,630 families now live in 63 villages in and around Madhupur in coherence with the forest and its ecology.

The Garo and Koch people were once the mainstream community here. But the Bangla-speaking people are dominating day by day as the Department of Forest introduced settlers to implement its controversial projects.

"The indigenous people were unable to pay bribe and get involved in the social forestry project. So the Department of Forest involved outsiders in the project and thus promoted the settlers in the forestland," said Ajay A Mree, an indigenous leaders living in Madhupur.

In the process of gaining profit from the forest, the department also failed to protect the forestland, leave alone the rights of forest people.

The department always wanted to keep its control over the forest ignoring the local people, resulting in total degradation of the valuable natural forest and tension again and again in the area.

This forest is very much related to the indigenous people's life, culture and livelihood. The Garos collect 27 different types of tubers for food from the forest during the rains. Moreover, they collect 57 kinds of medicinal herbs besides dried leaves and fodders for their animals.

But the government between 2000 and 2004 tried to fence in the Sal forest prohibiting the forest dwellers from collecting forest resources. The government's National Park Development Project only mounted tension and led to degradation of the natural forest.

However, almost all the money of this around Tk 10-crore project was kept for constructing different concrete structures including brick walls, roads, toilets and development of picnic spots.

The government also implemented many others donor-funded wood tree plantation projects in which the indigenous people did not want to take part. As they demanded their land rights, they went through a contentious relation with the Department of Forest.

The department filed hundreds of cases against local indigenous people accusing them of illegal logging, while the indigenous people allege those cases were filed only to harass them.

The same scenario went on and on for years.

"We can withdraw the cases but they have to promise that they would not fell anymore trees in the forest. But the indigenous people's leader cannot make such promise," says Shah-E-Alam, divisional forest officer of Tangail forest division.

Around 3,200 cases are now pending against the indigenous people. The government in 2006 suggested that the department withdraw the cases which were filed to "harass" the people.

"Still there are more than 3,000 cases against the indigenous people filed by the Department of Forest. They issued warrants against us under the cases filed in 2004 which was only for harassment," said Ajay A Mree.

The proposal of fencing in the forest was eventually abandoned at the cost of lives of two indigenous protesters -- Peeren Slan who was killed by the law enforcers on 3 January, 2004 and Cholesh Richil who was declared dead in custody of the law enforcers during the caretaker rule.

Utpal Nakrek, an indigenous youth, became handicapped forever as bullets hit his backbone during protests against the eco-park project.

HOW MUCH LAND

THEY NEED

The total land claimed by 4,129 Garo families in this forest is 8,171.74 acres, while settlers are occupying about 5,547.17 acres of land within the forest.

This was revealed by a recent door-to-door survey conducted by Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA) and the Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad in Madhupur, Muktagachha, Ghatail and Phulbaria mouzas.

The survey detects the land claimed by the Garos and other dwellers in the 18 mouzas -- Aronkhola (4180.315 acres), Pirgachha (3,138.33 acres), Joramgachha (362.395 acres), Fulbagchala (531.21 acres), Chapaid (271.64 acres), Rasulpur (89.64 acres), Chunia (442.36 acres), Sholakuri (419.835 acres), Bijoypur (84.94 acres), Beribaid (2,872.815 acres), Mohishmara (492.61 acres), Molajani (269.6 acres), Idilpur (171.26 acres), Gachhabari (278.53 acres), Mirzabari (8.82 acres), Pirojpur (71.11 acres), Dholpur (13.23 acres) and Moraid (18.87 acres).

Asked how to preserve the natural forest and protect the rights of the local people as well, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, executive director of BELA, cited the experience of the neighbouring countries.

"They recognise the rights of the forest dwellers and manage the forest in participation of the local community. And they have successfully revived much share of the natural forests," she said.

"The indigenous community will never destroy the natural forest as it goes with their lifestyle, practice and knowledge. Just the authorities have to change the approach," she added.

HOW THINGS GOING

SINCE BRITISH ERA

The first onslaught on the indigenous people came in 1927 when the British colonial rulers granted the entire Madhupur tract to the Raja of Natore.

The Raja dedicated the forest to the god Govinda as endowed property.

However, the Garos were allowed to live on homestead plots paying a yearly tax. The Garo woman tenants were also granted permission to register low-lying land in their names.

The registration started in 1892 and was incorporated again in the Cadastral Survey of 1914-1918.

In 1982 the government of independent Bangladesh in a gazette notification placed much of the Madhupur tract under the category of the government forest land.

The entire procedure was completed without issuing any notice to the Garos.

When the government move was challenged in the court of justice and in the land settlement office, the authorities allegedly refused to give any opportunity to the Garos to produce their documents.

The successive governments served eviction notices to the Garos while depleting the Sal forest and even replaced the local trees with unknown species, highly detrimental to environment and local inhabitants.

LEGAL RIGHTS VIOLATED

The sections 5, 11, 12, 14 and 15 of the Forest Act, 1927 state that the original forest inhabitants may claim rights over land, rights of way, rights of pasture, and rights over forest produce declaring the forest as a village forest.

At the same time, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1973 does not put any blanket restriction on human living or settlement in the National Park areas.

But even after 82 years of the law being in force, no such forest has been declared as "village forest" to mean actual involvement of the forest dependent people in forest management.

Sanjeev Drong, a rights activist fighting for the rights of the indigenous people, says forming a different land commission for the plain land indigenous people could solve the problems and save the forests.

"We have been demanding constitutional recognition of the indigenous people and a separate land commission for years. A separate land commission could solve the issue," Sanjeev observes.

He expresses the hope that the current government would protect the rights of indigenous people and forest dwellers as it was in the election manifesto of the ruling Awami League.

"So far it seems the government is positive to its pledges.”

OVERALL SITUATION IN CHT

2009-09-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

By PCJSS
As of 23 August 2009)

Since assuming power by the Awami League-led present Grand Alliance Government of Bangladesh (GoB) on 06 January 2009, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several Member of Parliament (MPs) of ruling Grand Alliance, Ministers including State Minister for CHT Affairs, in line with the election commitment, time and again reiterated the stand of the GoB about fullest implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord of 1997.

On 30 April 2009 Prime Minister of GoB Sheikh Hasina reiterated that her government would implement the CHT Accord in letter and spirit while she met the vice admiral of Naval Forces of France and Commander of the Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean Mr. Gerad Volin in April 2009 and the Vatican City Ambassador Mr. Marino Joseph in Dhaka on 05 May 2009. She also passed her message on 31 March 2009 through Mr. Pramode Mankin, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) about relocation of the settlers from CHT to outside, which the National Committee on CHT Affairs, the negotiating Committee during the dialogue and herself committed to the PCJSS Delegation (on day of the signing of the Accord on 2 December 2009).

However, it is yet to be known whether the GoB would sincerely and boldly implement the Accord or continue its previous policy of making CHT into a Muslim populated region through the process of assimilation of the indigenous Jumma peoples through change of demographic figure of population and forcible land grabbing along with cultural, social and religious aggression under patronization of the military and civil administration.

The Grand Alliance GoB, in the meantime, took few preparatory steps to have initiative about implementation of the CHT Accord, which are as follows:

1. Appointment of State Minister for MoCHTA

On 6 January 2009 during the formation of the cabinet, Grand Alliance Government appointed Mr. Dipankar Talukdar as State Minister for the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) and he was bestowed with full responsibilities of the ministry.

However, the CHT Affairs Ministry has been unable to work properly according to its mandate and power and function as almost all the officers in the Ministry are non-indigenous persons (Bengalis). Most of them are either unaware of or insensitive with the CHT and her original inhabitants or racially prejudiced and biased for Bengali settlers in CHT.

2. Appointment of the Chairman the Task Force

On 23 March 2009 the GoB appointed Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari, as Chairman of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Jumma Refugee Returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons. However, this Task Force is yet to be active. No meeting has been held so far.

It is noted that CHT Accord stipulates for rehabilitation of only internally tribal displaced families. However, violating this provision, Special Affairs Division under Prime Minister’s office sent an order on 19-07-1998 to Task Force asking to rehabilitate the Bengali settlers in CHT identifying them as IDPs.

In the Fourth meeting on 20 July 1998 the representatives of PCJSS and Jumma Refugees Welfare Association demanded pen off the point on rehabilitation of the Non-Tribal Families in CHT and the Task Force agreed to it and decided to put the matter of the letter to the PM for her kind withdrawal.

The Task Force did not comply with the decision. Rather the officials of the Task Force managed to collect lists of the Non-tribal families as well for their rehabilitation in CHT. PCJSS and the Refugees Association in protest of it boycotted the Task Force. Under the said circumstances, the process of rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons got postponed.

That is why, unless this office order of the Special Affairs Division is withdrawn the officials of the GoB must pursue to have rehabilitation of the Non-Tribal settler families in CHT, which would make the Task Force inactive once again.

Therefore, this office order should be withdrawn for the sake of smooth rehabilitation of Jumma IDPs. But the GoB has taken no initiative so far to withdraw this contradictory office order.

3. CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee

On 25 May 2009 the GoB appointed Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the Parliament as the Convenor of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee.

On 19 August 2009 the first meeting of the committee was held in Rangamati. Other two members of the committee, namely, President of PCJSS Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma and Chairman of Task Force Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari also attended the meeting. State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukder and CHT Development Board Bir Bahadur, MP from Bandarban were present at the meeting on special invitation. Besides, government officials including Secretary of the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) attended the meeting. It is reported that without consistent of the rules, Chairmen of three Hill District Councils, Deputy Commissioners of three hill districts and Chairman of Chittagong Development Authority were also invited in this meeting.

It is reported that it was basically inaugural meeting of the committee. This meeting did not discuss details on the provisions of the CHT Accord. That is why no decision has been brought out from this meeting. However, Convenor of the committee Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury reiterated that the CHT Accord would be fully implemented immediately. Finally it is decided that the next meeting would be held after the Ramadan.

It is noted that it is yet to be known how affectively the Convenor would play her roles for the implementation of the Accord. Previous experiences show that this Committee was fully dependent on the MoCHTA, which hardly played any positive role for execution of any decision of it. That is why it is necessary to consider whether this Committee should have any separate independence office for its proper functioning.

4. Appointment of Chairman of CHT Development Board

On 31 March 2009 the present Grand Alliance GoB replaced the General Officer of Commanding (GoC) of 24 Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army from Chairmanship of the CHT Development Board with Mr. Bir Bahadur U Shwe Ching, MP from Bandarban of Bangladesh Awami League.

However, such appointment of a Jumma person to the said post is consistent with the provision of the CHT Accord. But, the CHT Development Board is yet far from cooperating the CHT Regional Council for the supervision and coordination over it as per the CHT Regional Council Act, 1998.

As per the Clause 2 of Part A of the CHT Accord, the Ordinance of the Board is yet to be amended to adjust the subsequent legislation of the Accord.

5. Appointment of Chairman of CHT Land Dispute Commission
On 19 July 2009 the GoB once again filled up the post of the Chairman of the Land Commission with Mr. Khademul Islam Chowdhury, Retired Justice of High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court.

He visited Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban respectively on 3, 4 & 5 August 2009. The Deputy Commissioner wrote letters to CHT Regional Council and Rangamati Hill District Council to send representative and the Chakma Circle Chief Barrister Raja Devashis Roy to meet the Commission Chairman at the Circuit House in Rangamati. Executive Officer of CHTRC Mr. Krishna Chandra Chakma, Chakma Circle Chief and representative of Rangamati Hill District Council called on him there. He is yet to convene a formal meeting of the Commission in the next.

However, the news media publicised that the Chairman held a meeting of the Land Commission on the day and he made announcement that Cadastral Survey would be completed within October 2009.

The Clause 2 of Part D narrates that “after rehabilitation of the tribal refugees and internal tribal evacuees the government shall start survey of land in CHT as soon as possible and after proper inquires ownership of land shall be recorded and ensured.”

In violation of this provision, the officials of the GoB have been all the time interested to have Cadastral Survey of Lands in CHT with a view to providing land titles mainly to the Bengali settlers on the lands they forcibly occupied or illegally allotted by the GoB.

It is important to note here that the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs also announced the same in his speech in the discussion meeting organised on the occasion of International Day for World’s Indigenous Peoples in Dhaka on 9 August 2009. So it is a question whether the GoB is to take up the survey of land in CHT at the moment, which would make the land disputes more critical.

Since 2008, the post of Secretary of the Commission fell vacant. Other staffs are also yet to be recruited. The Commission has no office of its own at all.

Furthermore it is noteworthy that the CHT Land Dispute Settlement Commission Act 2001 is yet to be amended as per recommendations of the CHTRC in accordance of the CHT Accord. There are 19 provisions in the Act contradictory to the CHT Accord. The Commission would not be able to function unless this Act is amended. So, amendment of it is very important as well as urgent.

In addition to the amendment of the Act, there is the necessity of making the Rules of Business of the Land Commission for proper functioning of the Commission and its Secretary and other officials. Until the date no steps have been taken by the GoB about the rules of the Business of the Commission.

6. Meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoCHTA

Since the formation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoCHTA, four consecutive meetings were held in Dhaka and three hill districts of CHT.

During the 3rd meeting of the Committee held on 20 July 2009 in Khagrachari, the Committee took decision with recommendation to cancel all leases given to non-tribal (Bengali) non-residents.

CHT Accord provides “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.” This provision has not been implemented till today. In total 1,605 plots covering 40,077 acres of land have been given lease to non-tribal and non-local persons for rubber and horticulture purposes during 80s and 90s. But no one plot has been cancelled so far. Rather, allotments of land under this category continue unabated by the authorities.

On 18 August 2009 the 4th meeting the Committee was held at Peda Ting Ting resort in Rangamati presided over by the committee member ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, as its chairman Promod Mankin relinquished from the chairmanship for his induction in the cabinet as a state minister. Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma also attended the meeting on special invitation.

During the meeting, the committee recommended cancellation of the 260 plots, leased out to influential people, for violating the terms and condition of the allotment. It is also reported that the committee also recommended reorganising of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and IDPs with requisite number of manpower to make it more active.

It is mentionable that the Parliamentary Standing Committee does not have executive power, rather makes only recommendation to the Ministry for implementation.

7. Withdrawal of 35 temporary camps

As per the Accord, all temporary camps of Army, Ansar and Armed police Battalion except 6 permanent installations were to be closed down and the time-limit shall be fixed for its purpose. Previously some camps, after the Accord, were withdrawn and of course, some new camps have been set up at various strategic places.

On 29 July 2009 GoB made announcement about withdrawal of 35 camps from different places of Khagrachari and Rangmati districts. News media reported that by 20 August 2009 the GoB closed down 12 camps from Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. It is of course, a positive move for implementation of the Accord. However, GoB is yet to fix full time-limit for closing down all temporary camps. In addition, GoB is also yet to withdraw de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’ from CHT by which military forces have been interfering upon the civil administration and conducting military operation throughout the CHT.

8. Vested interest groups try to make situation turmoil

Since the announcement of withdrawal of the 35 camps, vested interest groups including Sama Odhikar Andolan (Equal Rights Movement), an extreme communal and fanatic organisation of Bengali settlers, have been protesting against the withdrawal of the camps. These vested groups alleged that the government decided to pull out troops from CHT bowing down without considering the security of Bengali settlers there.

It is also alleged that Bengali settlers also tried to make communal tension as well as communal attack on Jumma localities through fabricating various stories in order to foil the withdrawal of military camps. It is reported that on 14 August 2009 a group of Bengali settlers tried to attack Jumma villages at Bagachadar union under Longadu upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. At least four Jumma villagers were allegedly beaten and looted by Bengali settlers in this assault.

It is learnt that as per recent government declaration of withdrawal of 35 temporary camps, Kathaltali camp was declared to withdraw and accordingly, out of 30 personnel of the camp, 15 were closed to Longadu zone on 13 August 2009 and rest of forces were supposed to withdraw on 14 August 2009. But early in the morning on 14 August Bengali settlers from Thega Para under Bagachadar union very closed to Kathaltali camp gathered and blockaded the camp to prevent withdrawal of the forces. At a stage around 11.30 am, a group of Bengali settlers from Thega Para equipped with lather sharp weapons and sticks tried to attack on indigenous Jumma villages namely Ranjit Para and Bagachadar village. However, Jumma villagers opposed the Bengali settlers’ attack.

It is also reported that soon after the starting of withdrawal of 35 camps, mockery was staged by recovering two dead bodies of Bengali settlers from the Jumma localities in Khagrachari district. Jumma villagers claimed that the recovery of dead bodies at Jumma localities was a pre-planned act of Bengali settlers in order to justify insecurity of Bengali settlers and to create ground for communal tension to attack on Jumma localities.

One dead body of Bengali settler was recovered at the jum field near the Sorbeswar Para of Matiranga upazila under Khagrachari district on 16 August 2009. The dead body was identified as Md. Sohag (17) s/o Md. Hossain under Matiranga upazila. Bengali settlers, at first, spread propaganda that the deceased was killed by Jumma villagers. But later the shoes of deceased were recovered from the house of one Khalil Mian who was absconding since 16 August. Police of Matiranga police station also arrested Abu Taher who was suspected to involve with this killing.

Second dead body of settler woman (25 yrs) was recovered from the Jumma-inhabited Modon Karbari Para under Panchari upazila on 18 August 2009. Bengali settlers spread that deceased woman was missing on 17 August 2009 while she went to collect vegetables from the jungle and she was allegedly killed by Jumma villagers. But Jumma villagers claimed that dead body of the woman was kept at the stream near Modon Karbari Para in order to create communal tension to make situation turmoil. On 18 August 2009 the Bengali Settlers also brought out a procession in Panchari protesting killing of the woman in Panchari. Fearing Bengali settlers’ attack, most of women and children of of Modon Karbari Para and adjacent villages were shifted to safe areas.

On 20 August 2009 Parbatya Bangalee Chhattra Parishad (PBCP) observed dawn-to-dusk roads and waterways blockade programme in the three hill districts of CHT in order to oppose the withdrawal of the military camps.

Experts are of opinion that withdrawal of temporary camps by government by beating drum is politically motivated. It helped instigate the vested interest groups including opposition parties and Bengali settlers to oppose the withdrawal of temporary camps. It is also noted that Bengali settlers being completely dependent on the free ration of the GoB they can do nothing unless they get permission from the army authorities. Under above circumstances, it is yet to be observed whether the GoB would implement this provision at all.

9. Writ Petition against withdrawal of camps and CHT Accord

On 16 August 2009 Advocate Md. Tajul Islam, a leader of Jamat-E–Islami, on behalf of Badiuzzaman (a settler leader at Kowkhali Upazilla and member of the JEI), submitted a writ petition against the step of the GoB about withdrawal of some camps. Petitioner alleged that the government decided to pull out troops from CHT bowing down without considering the security of Bangalee settlers there and this would make the border with India unsafe and facilitate entry of foreign terrorist and smuggler groups.

On 16 August 2009 the Hight Court directed the government to suspend the ongoing withdrawal of troops from the CHT until 19 August scheduled for next hearing.

On 19-20 August 2009 the High Court vacated its earlier order directing the government to suspend withdrawal of troops from CHT. The final hearing of Writ Petition no. 2669 of 2000 (Mohammad Badiuzzaman v Bangladesh & Others) and Writ Petition no. 6451 of 2007 (Advocate Md. Tajul Islam v Bangladesh & Others) would be held in October 2009.

9. Overall Situation in CHT
There has been hardly any positive development on the overall situation in CHT. A few instances are provided below:

(i) Expansion of Settlement of the settlers and Forcible Land grabbing

Expansion of settlements and forcible land grabbing continue unabated in all the three districts including on the roadsides in particular. It is observed even on the Rangamati-Chittagong roadsides at Rangamti and Manikchari areas in Rangamti sadar upazila and Ghagra areas in Kaukhali upazila in Rangamati district.

Since the arson attack upon 7 Jumma villages by Bengali settlers with the support of Baghaichari army zone on 20 April 2008, most of the indigenous Jumma families could not return to their homes and villages until now. On the contrary, the Bengali settler families continue shifting there and occupying lands and gardens etc.

Same as above forcible land grabbing and expansion of settlement of Bengali settlers commenced in 2007 at the place between the Dwitila Army camp and the Four Mile Army camp at Hazachara Mouza under Dighinala Upazilla of Khagrachari district. Expansion of settlement continues there till the date.

In May and June 1009, the Bengali settlers forcibly occupied lands of the Jumma people in Jaliya Para areas in May-June 2009. In the beginning the Jumma people resisted them but they failed owing to active support to the settlers by the local army authorities.

Forcible land grabbing has got a very serious turn particularly in Bandarban. For instances, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Naikhyongchari upazila in Bandarban district made plantation and horticulture gardens on the 234 acres of land under Bakkhali mouza and 150 acres of land under Alikhyong mouza in Naikhyongchari upazila in the name of his wife and relatives. On the other, on 1 July 2009 the lease holders who are non-resident Bengalis threatened indigenous Mro villagers of 12 villages (228 families) under Lemu Palong mouza and Duluchari mouza to leave areas. Otherwise, they would be faced severe consequences. Indigenous Mro villagers put memorandum to the Prime Minister of Government of Bangladesh seeking justice. But no action has been taken so far.

(ii) Political intimidation

Political intimidation at this moment reduced. However, the local army continue conspiracy to arrest following PCJSS leaders in Rowangchari under Bandarban district:

a) Mr. Kyoba Mong, who contested for the chairmanship of the Rowangchari upazila in Bandarban and won the election but later announced defeated at a margin of 53 votes only and also president of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch

b) Mr. Aung Swe Mong Marma, chairman of Rowangchari sadar union and also vice president of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch and

c) Mr. Bharat Sen Tanchangya, general secretary of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch.

It is learnt that local army put pressure upon police authority of Naikhyongchari police station to arrest them referring the letter sent by Matiur Rahman, senior assistant secretary of Home Ministry on 4/07/2008 to MoCHTA, Bandarban Army Brigade authority, Superintendent of Police of Bandarban district, among others, in which above persons were falsely alleged to involve with extortion, terrorist activities and abuse of power. But it is yet to be executed.

In addition, the cases lodged against the PCJSS leaders including vice president Mr. Laxmi Prasad Chakma and general secretary Mr. Satyabit Dewan are yet to be withdrawn. A total of 15 cases were submitted to the Government Review Committee through concerned district committee for withdrawal. These cases were lodged against the PCJSS leaders during the period State of Emergency (2007-2008) and BNP-led coalition government (2001-2006) with an aim to political intimidation.

(iii) Operation on indigenous Chak localities in Naikhyingchari

On 16 August 2009 a group of BDR of 15 Battalion from Naikhyongchari camp and RAB jointly conducted operation at Baishari area under Naikhyongchari upazila in Bandarban district in the name of rescuing supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin. It is mentionable that Mr. Hefazuddin and labourer of the plantation Md. Najer were kidnapped on 15 August allegedly by an extortionist group led by Prokash Chakma who introduces himself a member of UPDF. Later, the kidnappers released Md. Najer and demanded ransom for releasing of supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin.

It is learnt that during the operation, the BDR and RAB first encircled the Badurjiri Chak Para under Naikhyongchari upazila and caught following 7 innocent jum cultivators belong to Chak community:

1) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak;
2) Mr. Khijari Chak Karbari (50)
3) Mr. Chathau Chak (27) s/o Khijari Chak
4) Mr. Athui Chak (33)
5) Mr. Lagya Aung Chak (47) s/o late Ching Swe Chak
6) Mr. Swemong Sing Chak (18) s/o Lagya Aung Chak
7) Mr. Kyasing Mong Chak (30) s/o late Thuihla Khoi Chak.

Soon after the arrest, they were taken to a local primary school and tortured brutally there. Then they except Aungchagya Chak were released. Aungchagya Chak was kept under BDR custody since the arrest. He was not handed over to police authority and even produced before court till 23 August while the report writing.

Again, on 22 August 2009 BDR and RAB jointly conducted operation to rescue the kidnapped person. They took following 12 indigenous Chak villagers as helpers for searching operation:

1) Mr. Uchai Thowai Chak, (30) s/o Mongyeng Chak of Headman Para;
2) Mr. Uswe Ching Chak, (40) s/o Kyaja Chak of Headman Para;
3) Mr. Kyajairi Chak (38) of Headman Para;
4) Mr. Uchinh Mong Chak (15), a student of grade X, s/o Dhungcha Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
5) Mr. Aung Shajai Chak (15), a student grade X, s/o Basaik Chak of Upper Chak Para;
6) Mr. Chai Thowaihla Chak (30) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
7) Mr. Uchagya Chak (20) s/o Chai Aung Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
8) Mr. Uthowai Mong Chak (50) s/o late Thowai Aungya Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
9) Mr. Chai Aung Chak (50) s/o Kyajahla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
10) Mr. Chathui Aung Chak (30) s/o late Nithowai Hla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
11) Mr. Kyaching Chak (13) s/o Chaihla Mong Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
12) Mr. Dhungchai Aung Chak (18) s/o Athui Chak of Madyam Chak Para.

But BDR and RAB failed to rescue the kidnapped person. Due to failing, they became angry upon the helpers of innocent Chak villagers. Then the Chak villagers were gathered to a local junior high school and inhumanly started to torture by turn by the BDR and RAB there. Besides them, the following Chak villagers were also brutally tortured by the BDR and RAB at the junior high school:

1) Mr. Machingla Chak (12) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
2) Mr. Kramaching Chak (18) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
3) Ms. Nongkhain Chak (25) w/o Uchaka Chak of Upper Chak Para;
4) Mr. Dhungcha Aung Chak (48) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
5) Mr. Chingchala Chak (47) s/o Dhongneo Chak of Upper Chak Para;
6) Mr. Janing Aung Chak (55) (a primary school teacher) s/o late Mongcha Thowai Chak;
7) Ms. Janimey Chak (50) w/o Janing Aung Chak;
8) Ms. Lachau Chak (45) w/o Swe Jaiu Chak.

After meeting retaliation, most of villagers were set free on 22 August, but 7 innocent villagers were kept under BDR custody. The Chak villagers called on Mr. Bir Bahadur, ruling MP from Bandarban for taking necessary measure on 23 August. Mr. Bahadur assured them to look into the matter. It is also learnt that more 5 villagers were also released on 23 August afternoon, but following Chak villagers are still under BDR custody without producing before court as per the laws:

1) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak of Badurjiri village;

2) Mr. Mong Wai Chak (20) s/o Kijairi Chak, Madyam Chak Para.

BDR and RAB personnel threatened that all the villagers would be put in jail and indigenous Chak villages would be evicted if the villagers failed to rescue the kidnapped Bengali person. The villagers of indigenous Chak community at Baishari areas under Naikhyongchari are living with fears and insecurity.

Operation on indigenous Chak localities in Naikhyingchari

2009-09-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

By PCJSS

On 16 August 2009 a group of BDR of 15 Battalion from Naikhyongchari camp and RAB jointly conducted operation at Baishari area under Naikhyongchari upazila in Bandarban district in the name of rescuing supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin. It is mentionable that Mr. Hefazuddin and labourer of the plantation Md. Najer were kidnapped on 15 August allegedly by an extortionist group led by Prokash Chakma who introduces himself a member of UPDF. Later, the kidnappers released Md. Najer and demanded ransom for releasing of supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin.
It is learnt that during the operation, the BDR and RAB first encircled the Badurjiri Chak Para under Naikhyongchari upazila and caught following 7 innocent jum cultivators belong to Chak community:

1) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak;
2) Mr. Khijari Chak Karbari (50)
3) Mr. Chathau Chakma (27) s/o Khijari Chak
4) Mr. Athui Chak (33)
5) Mr. Lagya Aung Chak (47) s/o late Ching Swe Chak
6) Mr. Swemong Sing Chak (18) s/o Lagya Aung Chak
7) Mr. Kyasing Mong Chak (30) s/o late Thuihla Khoi Chak.

Soon after the arrest, they were taken to a local primary school and tortured brutally there. Then they except Aungchagya Chak were released. Aungchagya Chak was kept under BDR custody since the arrest. He was not handed over to police authority and even produced before court till 23 August while the report writing.

Again, on 22 August 2009 BDR and RAB jointly conducted operation to rescue the kidnapped person. They took following 12 indigenous Chak villagers as helpers for searching operation:

1) Mr. Uchai Thowai Chak, (30) s/o Mongyeng Chak of Headman Para;
2) Mr. Uswe Ching Chak, (40) s/o Kyaja Chak of Headman Para;
3) Mr. Kyajairi Chak (38) of Headman Para;
4) Mr. Uchinh Mong Chak (15), a student of grade X, s/o Dhungcha Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
5) Mr. Aung Shajai Chak (15), a student grade X, s/o Basaik Chak of Upper Chak Para;
6) Mr. Chai Thowaihla Chak (30) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
7) Mr. Uchagya Chak (20) s/o Chai Aung Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
8) Mr. Uthowai Mong Chak (50) s/o late Thowai Aungya Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
9) Mr. Chai Aung Chak (50) s/o Kyajahla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
10) Mr. Chathui Aung Chak (30) s/o late Nithowai Hla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
11) Mr. Kyaching Chak (13) s/o Chaihla Mong Chak of Madyam Chak Para;
12) Mr. Dhungchai Aung Chak (18) s/o Athui Chak of Madyam Chak Para.

But BDR and RAB failed to rescue the kidnapped person. Due to failing, they became angry upon the helpers of innocent Chak villagers. Then the Chak villagers were gathered to a local junior high school and inhumanly started to torture by turn by the BDR and RAB there. Besides them, the following Chak villagers were also brutally tortured by the BDR and RAB at the junior high school:

1) Mr. Machingla Chak (12) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
2) Mr. Kramaching Chak (18) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
3) Ms. Nongkhain Chak (25) w/o Uchaka Chak of Upper Chak Para;
4) Mr. Dhungcha Aung Chak (48) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;
5) Mr. Chingchala Chak (47) s/o Dhongneo Chak of Upper Chak Para.

After meeting retaliation, most of villagers were set free on 22 August, but 7 innocent villagers were kept under BDR custody. It is also learnt that more 4 villagers were also released on 23 August afternoon, but following Chak villagers are still under BDR custody without producing before court as per the laws:

1) Mr. Janing Aung Chak (55) (a primary school teacher) s/o late Mongcha Thowai Chak;
2) Ms. Janimey Chak (50) w/o Janing Aung Chak;
3) Ms. Lachau Chak (45) w/o Swe Jaiu Chak;
4) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak.

BDR and RAB personnel threatened that all the villagers would be put in jail and indigenous Chak villages would be evicted if the villagers failed to rescue the kidnapped Bengali person. The villagers of indigenous Chak community at Baishari areas under Naikhyongchari are living with fears and insecurity.

Celebration of International Day for World’s Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh

2009-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

By Kapaeeng Foundation

Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum (BIPF) undertaken 4 day programme to celebrate the International Day for World’s Indigenous Peoples in Dhaka demanding “Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights”. On the other, several organisations at national and regional level organised rally, discussion meeting, cultural function, friendly football match etc marking the Day. Several organisations also published magazines, posters and books on occasion of the Day.

BIPF’s Press Conference in Dhaka

On 5 August 2009 BIPF organised press conference at National Press Club in Dhaka. At the press conference, President of the BIPF Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma presented a 13-point charter of demands, which include constitutional recognition of 45 indigenous communities, their entity, language and culture, formation of a separate land commission for indigenous people living on the plains and constitutional recognition of their right to land, implementation of CHT Accord, ensuring their right to education in their mother tongues and practising their culture, and appointment of indigenous teachers in schools.

Mr. Larma claimed that army domination in CHT has not ended yet. He demanded an effective roadmap for implementation of the CHT peace accord. Larma alleged that the trend to grab indigenous people's land with the help of the administration has increased recently, which is threatening the rights of the indigenous peoples throughout the country.

BISAF’s Human Chain in Dhaka

On 7 August 2009 Bangladesh Indigenous Students’ Action Council organised a human chain at Shahbagh in Dhaka demanding constitutional recognition of the indigenous peoples’ rights where hundreds of students and youths attended.

BIPF’s Inaugural Ceremony and Grand Rally

On 8 August 2009 BIPF organised inaugural ceremony at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Presided over by Mr. J B Larma, president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Mr. Manzurul Ahasan Khan inaugurated the programme of the day as chief guest. He demanded full restoration of the 1972 constitution and incorporation of the rights of the indigenous peoples in it. Among other, Rashed Khan Menon MP of Workers’ Party, Khushi Kabir of Nijera Kori, professor Mesbah Kamal of Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon, columnist Syed Abul Maksud, Bangladesh Mohila Parishad president Ayesha Khanam, dramatists Ramendu Majumdar and Mamunur Rashid, Adivasi representatives Shaktipada Tripura, KS Mong and Adivasi Forum general secretary Sanjib Drong spoke at the inauguration. Speakers called on the government for constitutional recognition of 45 indigenous communities, their entity, language and culture, formation of land commissions for indigenous communities in the hill districts, and recognition of their rights to education in their language.

Indigenous artists performed a display of dance and this was followed by colorful rally from Shaheed Minar to Shahbag area. Indigenous peoples from different parts of the country and different social and cultural organisstions participated in the rally.

BIPF’s Indigenous Fair and Discussion Meeting

On 9 August 2009 BIPF organised day-long indigenous fair and half-day (afternoon) discussion meeting at premises of the Engineers Institute in Dhaka. The indigenous fair that supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation was inaugurated by Industry Minister Mr. Dilip Barua. He said that since after 38 years of independence, constitutional recognition of indigenous people was not achieved. He hoped grand alliance would fulfill the issue.

On the other, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Shafiqu Ahmed was attended as Chief Guest in the discussion meeting while presided over by J B Larma. Mr. Ahmed said that the first condition of protecting land rights is to conduct a survey of land in the CHT. He also mentioned that necessary measures would also be taken to recover land of the indigenous people living on plain land. The minister also sought assistance from the indigenous people to bring back the Constitution of 1972 to protect their rights.

J B Larma said that indigenous people are owner of all lands, excluding the reserve forests, in respective mouzas in CHT. There are no khas lands in the region. He came up with the views in reply to the statement of the law minister, Shafique Ahmed, who told the discussion that the government would complete land survey in the hill districts by December 2009. He added that the government was enacting laws for the hill people in CHT. But CHT Regional Council, an apex body of CHT administration, is in the dark about this. The laws should be drafted in consultation with the council.

Among other, Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy, State minister for CHT affairs Dipankar Talukdar, Dhaka University professor Sadeka Halim, Danish Ambassador Einor Jhensen, European Union ambassador Brain Forey, Prasenjit Chakma of UNDP and ILO Country Representative Panudda Boonpala and General Secretary of BIPF Sanjeeb Drong spoke in the discussion.

TWA’s programme in Dhaka

On 9 August 2009 Tribal Welfare Association (TWA) organised discussion meeting at Shishu Academy in Dhaka. Presided over by TWA president and State Minister for Culture Promode Mankin MP, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad attended as Chief Guest. Food Minister Dr. Md. Abdul Razzak, State Minister for CHT Affairs Mr. Dipankar Talukdar MP, President of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal Hasanul Haque Inu and Professor of Dhaka University Dr. Nim Chandra Bkoumik attended the discussion as special guest.

Earlier, in the morning, day-long programme of TWA was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Arefin Siddique at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Inaugural ceremony was followed by a colorful rally.

Rangamati

On 9 August 2009 “Indigenous Peoples Day 2009 Celebration Committee, Rangamati” organised discussions marking the International Day of World's Indigenous People. Predided over by Convenor of the celebration committee Mr. Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council Mr. Nikhil Kumar Chakma inaugurated the rally through releasing pigeons and addressed the meeting as chief guest. PCJSS leader and member of CHT Regional Council Ushatan Talukder, BNP district unit convenor Dipen Dewan, former RHDC chairman and district AL vice-president Chingkiew Rouaza addressed, among others.

Congratulating the present government for taking initiatives for implementation of the CHT Accord, speakers said lasting peace in the CHT is not possible without full implementation of the Accord. They also emphasised primary education through mother tongue and protecting traditional culture and heritage of the indigenous peoples. They also said that social, economic and political rights of the indigenous people are yet to be established and many indigenous families were evicted from their ancestral land and homesteads as outsider Bangalee settlers grabbed their lands.

Earlier, a mammoth colourful procession paraded main thoroughfares in Rangamati town.

Khagrachari

On 9 August 2009 Biswa Adivashi Dibosh Udjapon Committee organised a discussion on the occasion of the Day. Chairman of Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and IDPs Jatindra Lal Tripura MP attended the discussion as chief guest. He hailed the government for forming different committees to implement the CHT Accord, forming Land Commission to resolve land disputes in CHT, activating the Task Force and declaration of withdrawal of temporary camps from CHT.

Rajshahi

On 9 August 2009 A procession of indigenous people including men, women and children paraded the roads of Kakonhat municipality in Godagari upazila. Later at a discussion on the municipality office premises, they demanded formation of a separate land commission for the indigenous people of plain land, ensuring primary education in their mother tongue, quota in jobs and putting an end to atrocities on them. Nine NGOs namely Karitas, Ekota, Ashwas, Jaitun, Manwa Nattya Dal, Titas, ESCDF, ASAUS and Shacheton Sharik organised this programme.

Kakonhat municipality Mayor Abdul Majid was chief guest at the meeting presided over by Astha Network President Ganesh Mardi while Jatiya Adivashi Parishad President Anil Marandi, spoke, among others.

Thakurgaon

On 9 August 2009 Thakurgaon District Adivashi Parishad in cooperation with Eco Social Development Organisation, RDRS Bangladesh and Karitas organised a discussion and cultural programme at the district Shilpakala Academy Auditorium in Thakurgaon with a call to recognise constitutional and land rights for indigenous people.

At the discussion with National Adivashi Parishad President Surja Murmu in the chair, speakers also demanded mother tongue-based primary education for indigenous children and indigenous people's quota in higher education and government service.

Sylhet

On 9 August 2009 Divisional Committee for Celebration of International Indigenous Day organised rally and discussion meeting at Saifur Rahman Auditorium in Sylhet. Discussion meeting was presided over by committee convenor Mr. Gouranga Patra while Mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Md. Badar Uddin Ahmad Kanran attended as Chief Guest. Among others, Dr. Tulshi Kumar Das of Shahjalal Science and Technology University, PCJSS leader Mangal Kumar Chakma, Chairman of Sylhet Upazila Parishad and its Upazila Nirbahi Officer spoke in the discussion. A colorful rally was brought in Sylhet city before starting the discussion.

Earlier on 8 August 2009 at a press conference at Sylhet Press Club the leaders of the communities placed a 12-point demand including the indigenous people's participation in all government safety net programmes.

Mymensingh

On 9 August 2009 a day-long programme was organised by International Indigenous Day Celebration Committee at Zila Shilpakala Academy marking the day. Mymensingh Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mohsin inaugurated the programme. Regional Director of CARITAS Theofil Nokrek, Prof Tahmina Parveen, Brother Gueum, Kazi Azad Jahan Shaheen, Dilip Hagidak and Dr Bilium Animesh Sangma spoke as special guests at the inaugural session presided by Tushar Daring, convener of the committee. Speakers said that the rights of the indigenous people in Bangladesh as well as in the world should be protected for a harmonious society.

On the other, at a discussion titled 'Establishing social, cultural and land rights with constitutional reorganisation', at the same venue, Bangladesh Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr MA Sattar Mandal addressed as chief guest. Greener Marak presented the key-note paper at the discussion presided over by Subash Jengsum, president of international indigenous day celebration committee, in the chair. Speakers said that as citizens of the country, indigenous people deserve all kinds of rights but their social, cultural and land rights are yet to be reflected in the constitution. They demanded a separate land commission to establish the indigenous people's rights on land and mitigate their sufferings caused by land grabbers.

Earlier, a colourful rally paraded the main thoroughfares of the town. A friendly football match was also held marking the occasion in the afternoon.

ILO Book Launching Programme

On 10 August 2009 BIPF and ILO jointly organised a book launching ceremony at WVA Auditorium in Dhaka with Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma in the chair. The book titled “The ILO Convention on Indigenous and Tribal Populations, 1957 (No. 107) and the Laws of Bangladesh: A Comparative Review” written by Raja Devasish Roy was published by ILO marking the International Day for World’s Indigenous Peoples.

Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni attanded the programme as Chief Guest while State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukdar and Attorney General for Bangladesh Mr. Mahbubey Alam were present as special guest. Among others, Prof. Dr. Mizanur Rahman of Dhaka University, eminent human rights defender Barrister Sara Hossain, PCJSS leader Mangal Kumar Chakma, indigenous rights activist Ajoy A Mree spoke in the programme.

OVERALL SITUATION IN CHT

2009-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

By PCJSS
www.indigenousportal.com/index.php/Asia.html

Since assuming power by the Awami League-led present Grand Alliance Government of Bangladesh (GoB) on 06 January 2009, the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, several Member of Parliament (MPs) of ruling Grand Alliance, Ministers including State Minister for CHT Affairs, in line with the election commitment, time and again reiterated the stand of the GoB about fullest implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord of 1997.

On 30 April 2009 Prime Minister of GoB Sheikh Hasina reiterated that her government would implement the CHT Accord in letter and spirit while she met the vice admiral of Naval Forces of France and Commander of the Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean Mr. Gerad Volin in April 2009 and the Vatican City Ambassador Mr. Marino Joseph in Dhaka on 05 May 2009. She also passed her message on 31 March 2009 through Mr. Pramode Mankin, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of the CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) about relocation of the settlers from CHT to outside, which the National Committee on CHT Affairs, the negotiating Committee during the dialogue and herself committed to the PCJSS Delegation (on day of the signing of the Accord on 2 December 2009).

However, it is yet to be known whether the GoB would sincerely and boldly implement the Accord or continue its previous policy of making CHT into a Muslim populated region through the process of assimilation of the indigenous Jumma peoples through change of demographic figure of population and forcible land grabbing along with cultural, social and religious aggression under patronization of the military and civil administration.

The Grand Alliance GoB, in the meantime, took few preparatory steps to have initiative about implementation of the CHT Accord, which are as follows:

1. Appointment of State Minister for MoCHTA

On 6 January 2009 during the formation of the cabinet, Grand Alliance Government appointed Mr. Dipankar Talukdar as State Minister for the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) and he was bestowed with full responsibilities of the ministry.

However, the CHT Affairs Ministry has been unable to work properly according to its mandate and power and function as almost all the officers in the Ministry are non-indigenous persons (Bengalis). Most of them are either unaware of or insensitive with the CHT and her original inhabitants or racially prejudiced and biased for Bengali settlers in CHT.

2. Appointment of the Chairman the Task Force

On 23 March 2009 the GoB appointed Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari, as Chairman of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Jumma Refugee Returnees and the Internally Displaced Persons. However, this Task Force is yet to be active. No meeting has been held so far.

It is noted that CHT Accord stipulates for rehabilitation of only internally tribal displaced families. However, violating this provision, Special Affairs Division under Prime Minister’s office sent an order on 19-07-1998 to Task Force asking to rehabilitate the Bengali settlers in CHT identifying them as IDPs.

In the Fourth meeting on 20 July 1998 the representatives of PCJSS and Jumma Refugees Welfare Association demanded pen off the point on rehabilitation of the Non-Tribal Families in CHT and the Task Force agreed to it and decided to put the matter of the letter to the PM for her kind withdrawal.

The Task Force did not comply with the decision. Rather the officials of the Task Force managed to collect lists of the Non-tribal families as well for their rehabilitation in CHT. PCJSS and the Refugees Association in protest of it boycotted the Task Force. Under the said circumstances, the process of rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons got postponed.

That is why, unless this office order of the Special Affairs Division is withdrawn the officials of the GoB must pursue to have rehabilitation of the Non-Tribal settler families in CHT, which would make the Task Force inactive once again.

Therefore, this office order should be withdrawn for the sake of smooth rehabilitation of Jumma IDPs. But the GoB has taken no initiative so far to withdraw this contradictory office order.

3. CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee

On 25 May 2009 the GoB appointed Sayeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the Parliament as the Convenor of the CHT Accord Implementation Monitoring Committee.

On 19 August 2009 the first meeting of the committee was held in Rangamati. Other two members of the committee, namely, President of PCJSS Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma and Chairman of Task Force Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari also attended the meeting. State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukder and CHT Development Board Bir Bahadur, MP from Bandarban were present at the meeting on special invitation. Besides, government officials including Secretary of the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) attended the meeting. It is reported that without consistent of the rules, Chairmen of three Hill District Councils, Deputy Commissioners of three hill districts and Chairman of Chittagong Development Authority were also invited in this meeting.

It is reported that it was basically inaugural meeting of the committee. This meeting did not discuss details on the provisions of the CHT Accord. That is why no decision has been brought out from this meeting. However, Convenor of the committee Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury reiterated that the CHT Accord would be fully implemented immediately. Finally it is decided that the next meeting would be held after the Ramadan.

It is noted that it is yet to be known how affectively the Convenor would play her roles for the implementation of the Accord. Previous experiences show that this Committee was fully dependent on the MoCHTA, which hardly played any positive role for execution of any decision of it. That is why it is necessary to consider whether this Committee should have any separate independence office for its proper functioning.

4. Appointment of Chairman of CHT Development Board
On 31 March 2009 the present Grand Alliance GoB replaced the General Officer of Commanding (GoC) of 24 Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army from Chairmanship of the CHT Development Board with Mr. Bir Bahadur U Shwe Ching, MP from Bandarban of Bangladesh Awami League.

However, such appointment of a Jumma person to the said post is consistent with the provision of the CHT Accord. But, the CHT Development Board is yet far from cooperating the CHT Regional Council for the supervision and coordination over it as per the CHT Regional Council Act, 1998.

As per the Clause 2 of Part A of the CHT Accord, the Ordinance of the Board is yet to be amended to adjust the subsequent legislation of the Accord.

5. Appointment of Chairman of CHT Land Dispute Commission
On 19 July 2009 the GoB once again filled up the post of the Chairman of the Land Commission with Mr. Khademul Islam Chowdhury, Retired Justice of High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court.

He visited Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban respectively on 3, 4 & 5 August 2009. The Deputy Commissioner wrote letters to CHT Regional Council and Rangamati Hill District Council to send representative and the Chakma Circle Chief Barrister Raja Devashis Roy to meet the Commission Chairman at the Circuit House in Rangamati. Executive Officer of CHTRC Mr. Krishna Chandra Chakma, Chakma Circle Chief and representative of Rangamati Hill District Council called on him there. He is yet to convene a formal meeting of the Commission in the next.

However, the news media publicised that the Chairman held a meeting of the Land Commission on the day and he made announcement that Cadastral Survey would be completed within October 2009.

The Clause 2 of Part D narrates that “after rehabilitation of the tribal refugees and internal tribal evacuees the government shall start survey of land in CHT as soon as possible and after proper inquires ownership of land shall be recorded and ensured.”

In violation of this provision, the officials of the GoB have been all the time interested to have Cadastral Survey of Lands in CHT with a view to providing land titles mainly to the Bengali settlers on the lands they forcibly occupied or illegally allotted by the GoB.

It is important to note here that the Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs also announced the same in his speech in the discussion meeting organised on the occasion of International Day for World’s Indigenous Peoples in Dhaka on 9 August 2009. So it is a question whether the GoB is to take up the survey of land in CHT at the moment, which would make the land disputes more critical.

Since 2008, the post of Secretary of the Commission fell vacant. Other staffs are also yet to be recruited. The Commission has no office of its own at all.

Furthermore it is noteworthy that the CHT Land Dispute Settlement Commission Act 2001 is yet to be amended as per recommendations of the CHTRC in accordance of the CHT Accord. There are 19 provisions in the Act contradictory to the CHT Accord. The Commission would not be able to function unless this Act is amended. So, amendment of it is very important as well as urgent.

In addition to the amendment of the Act, there is the necessity of making the Rules of Business of the Land Commission for proper functioning of the Commission and its Secretary and other officials. Until the date no steps have been taken by the GoB about the rules of the Business of the Commission.

6. Meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoCHTA

Since the formation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on MoCHTA, four consecutive meetings were held in Dhaka and three hill districts of CHT.

During the 3rd meeting of the Committee held on 20 July 2009 in Khagrachari, the Committee took decision with recommendation to cancel all leases given to non-tribal (Bengali) non-residents.

CHT Accord provides “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.” This provision has not been implemented till today. In total 1,605 plots covering 40,077 acres of land have been given lease to non-tribal and non-local persons for rubber and horticulture purposes during 80s and 90s. But no one plot has been cancelled so far. Rather, allotments of land under this category continue unabated by the authorities.

On 18 August 2009 the 4th meeting the Committee was held at Peda Ting Ting resort in Rangamati presided over by the committee member ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, as its chairman Promod Mankin relinquished from the chairmanship for his induction in the cabinet as a state minister. Chairman of the CHT Regional Council Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma also attended the meeting on special invitation.

During the meeting, the committee recommended cancellation of the 260 plots, leased out to influential people, for violating the terms and condition of the allotment. It is also reported that the committee also recommended reorganising of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Jumma Refugees and IDPs with requisite number of manpower to make it more active.

It is mentionable that the Parliamentary Standing Committee does not have executive power, rather makes only recommendation to the Ministry for implementation.

7. Withdrawal of 35 temporary camps

As per the Accord, all temporary camps of Army, Ansar and Armed police Battalion except 6 permanent installations were to be closed down and the time-limit shall be fixed for its purpose. Previously some camps, after the Accord, were withdrawn and of course, some new camps have been set up at various strategic places.

On 29 July 2009 GoB made announcement about withdrawal of 35 camps from different places of Khagrachari and Rangmati districts. News media reported that by 20 August 2009 the GoB closed down 12 camps from Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. It is of course, a positive move for implementation of the Accord. However, GoB is yet to fix full time-limit for closing down all temporary camps. In addition, GoB is also yet to withdraw de facto military rule ‘Operation Uttoron’ from CHT by which military forces have been interfering upon the civil administration and conducting military operation throughout the CHT.

8. Vested interest groups try to make situation turmoil

Since the announcement of withdrawal of the 35 camps, vested interest groups including Sama Odhikar Andolan (Equal Rights Movement), an extreme communal and fanatic organisation of Bengali settlers, have been protesting against the withdrawal of the camps. These vested groups alleged that the government decided to pull out troops from CHT bowing down without considering the security of Bengali settlers there.

It is also alleged that Bengali settlers also tried to make communal tension as well as communal attack on Jumma localities through fabricating various stories in order to foil the withdrawal of military camps. It is reported that on 14 August 2009 a group of Bengali settlers tried to attack Jumma villages at Bagachadar union under Longadu upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. At least four Jumma villagers were allegedly beaten and looted by Bengali settlers in this assault.

It is learnt that as per recent government declaration of withdrawal of 35 temporary camps, Kathaltali camp was declared to withdraw and accordingly, out of 30 personnel of the camp, 15 were closed to Longadu zone on 13 August 2009 and rest of forces were supposed to withdraw on 14 August 2009. But early in the morning on 14 August Bengali settlers from Thega Para under Bagachadar union very closed to Kathaltali camp gathered and blockaded the camp to prevent withdrawal of the forces. At a stage around 11.30 am, a group of Bengali settlers from Thega Para equipped with lather sharp weapons and sticks tried to attack on indigenous Jumma villages namely Ranjit Para and Bagachadar village. However, Jumma villagers opposed the Bengali settlers’ attack.

It is also reported that soon after the starting of withdrawal of 35 camps, mockery was staged by recovering two dead bodies of Bengali settlers from the Jumma localities in Khagrachari district. Jumma villagers claimed that the recovery of dead bodies at Jumma localities was a pre-planned act of Bengali settlers in order to justify insecurity of Bengali settlers and to create ground for communal tension to attack on Jumma localities.

One dead body of Bengali settler was recovered at the jum field near the Sorbeswar Para of Matiranga upazila under Khagrachari district on 16 August 2009. The dead body was identified as Md. Sohag (17) s/o Md. Hossain under Matiranga upazila. Bengali settlers, at first, spread propaganda that the deceased was killed by Jumma villagers. But later the shoes of deceased were recovered from the house of one Khalil Mian who was absconding since 16 August. Police of Matiranga police station also arrested Abu Taher who was suspected to involve with this killing.

Second dead body of settler woman (25 yrs) was recovered from the Jumma-inhabited Modon Karbari Para under Panchari upazila on 18 August 2009. Bengali settlers spread that deceased woman was missing on 17 August 2009 while she went to collect vegetables from the jungle and she was allegedly killed by Jumma villagers. But Jumma villagers claimed that dead body of the woman was kept at the stream near Modon Karbari Para in order to create communal tension to make situation turmoil. On 18 August 2009 the Bengali Settlers also brought out a procession in Panchari protesting killing of the woman in Panchari. Fearing Bengali settlers’ attack, most of women and children of of Modon Karbari Para and adjacent villages were shifted to safe areas.

On 20 August 2009 Parbatya Bangalee Chhattra Parishad (PBCP) observed dawn-to-dusk roads and waterways blockade programme in the three hill districts of CHT in order to oppose the withdrawal of the military camps.

Experts are of opinion that withdrawal of temporary camps by government by beating drum is politically motivated. It helped instigate the vested interest groups including opposition parties and Bengali settlers to oppose the withdrawal of temporary camps. It is also noted that Bengali settlers being completely dependent on the free ration of the GoB they can do nothing unless they get permission from the army authorities. Under above circumstances, it is yet to be observed whether the GoB would implement this provision at all.

9. Writ Petition against withdrawal of camps and CHT Accord

On 16 August 2009 Advocate Md. Tajul Islam, a leader of Jamat-E–Islami, on behalf of Badiuzzaman (a settler leader at Kowkhali Upazilla and member of the JEI), submitted a writ petition against the step of the GoB about withdrawal of some camps. Petitioner alleged that the government decided to pull out troops from CHT bowing down without considering the security of Bangalee settlers there and this would make the border with India unsafe and facilitate entry of foreign terrorist and smuggler groups.

On 16 August 2009 the Hight Court directed the government to suspend the ongoing withdrawal of troops from the CHT until 19 August scheduled for next hearing.

On 19-20 August 2009 the High Court vacated its earlier order directing the government to suspend withdrawal of troops from CHT. The final hearing of Writ Petition no. 2669 of 2000 (Mohammad Badiuzzaman v Bangladesh & Others) and Writ Petition no. 6451 of 2007 (Advocate Md. Tajul Islam v Bangladesh & Others) would be held in October 2009.

9. Overall Situation in CHT
There has been hardly any positive development on the overall situation in CHT. A few instances are provided below:

(i) Expansion of Settlement of the settlers and Forcible Land grabbing

Expansion of settlements and forcible land grabbing continue unabated in all the three districts including on the roadsides in particular. It is observed even on the Rangamati-Chittagong roadsides at Rangamti and Manikchari areas in Rangamti sadar upazila and Ghagra areas in Kaukhali upazila in Rangamati district.

Since the arson attack upon 7 Jumma villages by Bengali settlers with the support of Baghaichari army zone on 20 April 2008, most of the indigenous Jumma families could not return to their homes and villages until now. On the contrary, the Bengali settler families continue shifting there and occupying lands and gardens etc.

Same as above forcible land grabbing and expansion of settlement of Bengali settlers commenced in 2007 at the place between the Dwitila Army camp and the Four Mile Army camp at Hazachara Mouza under Dighinala Upazilla of Khagrachari district. Expansion of settlement continues there till the date.

In May and June 1009, the Bengali settlers forcibly occupied lands of the Jumma people in Jaliya Para areas in May-June 2009. In the beginning the Jumma people resisted them but they failed owing to active support to the settlers by the local army authorities.

Forcible land grabbing has got a very serious turn particularly in Bandarban. For instances, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Naikhyongchari upazila in Bandarban district made plantation and horticulture gardens on the 234 acres of land under Bakkhali mouza and 150 acres of land under Alikhyong mouza in Naikhyongchari upazila in the name of his wife and relatives. On the other, on 1 July 2009 the lease holders who are non-resident Bengalis threatened indigenous Mro villagers of 12 villages (228 families) under Lemu Palong mouza and Duluchari mouza to leave areas. Otherwise, they would be faced severe consequences. Indigenous Mro villagers put memorandum to the Prime Minister of Government of Bangladesh seeking justice. But no action has been taken so far.

(ii) Political intimidation

Political intimidation at this moment reduced. However, the local army continue conspiracy to arrest following PCJSS leaders in Rowangchari under Bandarban district:

a) Mr. Kyoba Mong, who contested for the chairmanship of the Rowangchari upazila in Bandarban and won the election but later announced defeated at a margin of 53 votes only and also president of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch

b) Mr. Aung Swe Mong Marma, chairman of Rowangchari sadar union and also vice president of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch and

c) Mr. Bharat Sen Tanchangya, general secretary of PCJSS of Rowangchari branch.

It is learnt that local army put pressure upon police authority of Naikhyongchari police station to arrest them referring the letter sent by Matiur Rahman, senior assistant secretary of Home Ministry on 4/07/2008 to MoCHTA, Bandarban Army Brigade authority, Superintendent of Police of Bandarban district, among others, in which above persons were falsely alleged to involve with extortion, terrorist activities and abuse of power. But it is yet to be executed.

In addition, the cases lodged against the PCJSS leaders including vice president Mr. Laxmi Prasad Chakma and general secretary Mr. Satyabit Dewan are yet to be withdrawn. A total of 15 cases were submitted to the Government Review Committee through concerned district committee for withdrawal. These cases were lodged against the PCJSS leaders during the period State of Emergency (2007-2008) and BNP-led coalition government (2001-2006) with an aim to political intimidation.

(iii) Operation on indigenous Chak localities in Naikhyingchari

On 16 August 2009 a group of BDR of 15 Battalion from Naikhyongchari camp and RAB jointly conducted operation at Baishari area under Naikhyongchari upazila in Bandarban district in the name of rescuing supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin. It is mentionable that Mr. Hefazuddin and labourer of the plantation Md. Najer were kidnapped on 15 August allegedly by an extortionist group led by Prokash Chakma who introduces himself a member of UPDF. Later, the kidnappers released Md. Najer and demanded ransom for releasing of supervisor of rubber plantation Mr. Hefazuddin.

It is learnt that during the operation, the BDR and RAB first encircled the Badurjiri Chak Para under Naikhyongchari upazila and caught following 7 innocent jum cultivators belong to Chak community:

1) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak;

2) Mr. Khijari Chak Karbari (50)

3) Mr. Chathau Chak (27) s/o Khijari Chak

4) Mr. Athui Chak (33)

5) Mr. Lagya Aung Chak (47) s/o late Ching Swe Chak

6) Mr. Swemong Sing Chak (18) s/o Lagya Aung Chak

7) Mr. Kyasing Mong Chak (30) s/o late Thuihla Khoi Chak.

Soon after the arrest, they were taken to a local primary school and tortured brutally there. Then they except Aungchagya Chak were released. Aungchagya Chak was kept under BDR custody since the arrest. He was not handed over to police authority and even produced before court till 23 August while the report writing.

Again, on 22 August 2009 BDR and RAB jointly conducted operation to rescue the kidnapped person. They took following 12 indigenous Chak villagers as helpers for searching operation:

1) Mr. Uchai Thowai Chak, (30) s/o Mongyeng Chak of Headman Para;

2) Mr. Uswe Ching Chak, (40) s/o Kyaja Chak of Headman Para;

3) Mr. Kyajairi Chak (38) of Headman Para;

4) Mr. Uchinh Mong Chak (15), a student of grade X, s/o Dhungcha Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;

5) Mr. Aung Shajai Chak (15), a student grade X, s/o Basaik Chak of Upper Chak Para;

6) Mr. Chai Thowaihla Chak (30) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;

7) Mr. Uchagya Chak (20) s/o Chai Aung Chak of Madyam Chak Para;

8) Mr. Uthowai Mong Chak (50) s/o late Thowai Aungya Chak of Madyam Chak Para;

9) Mr. Chai Aung Chak (50) s/o Kyajahla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;

10) Mr. Chathui Aung Chak (30) s/o late Nithowai Hla Chak of Madyam Chak Para;

11) Mr. Kyaching Chak (13) s/o Chaihla Mong Chak of Madyam Chak Para;

12) Mr. Dhungchai Aung Chak (18) s/o Athui Chak of Madyam Chak Para.

But BDR and RAB failed to rescue the kidnapped person. Due to failing, they became angry upon the helpers of innocent Chak villagers. Then the Chak villagers were gathered to a local junior high school and inhumanly started to torture by turn by the BDR and RAB there. Besides them, the following Chak villagers were also brutally tortured by the BDR and RAB at the junior high school:

1) Mr. Machingla Chak (12) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;

2) Mr. Kramaching Chak (18) s/o Jani Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;

3) Ms. Nongkhain Chak (25) w/o Uchaka Chak of Upper Chak Para;

4) Mr. Dhungcha Aung Chak (48) s/o Raima Aung Chak of Upper Chak Para;

5) Mr. Chingchala Chak (47) s/o Dhongneo Chak of Upper Chak Para;

6) Mr. Janing Aung Chak (55) (a primary school teacher) s/o late Mongcha Thowai Chak;

7) Ms. Janimey Chak (50) w/o Janing Aung Chak;

8) Ms. Lachau Chak (45) w/o Swe Jaiu Chak.

After meeting retaliation, most of villagers were set free on 22 August, but 7 innocent villagers were kept under BDR custody. The Chak villagers called on Mr. Bir Bahadur, ruling MP from Bandarban for taking necessary measure on 23 August. Mr. Bahadur assured them to look into the matter. It is also learnt that more 5 villagers were also released on 23 August afternoon, but following Chak villagers are still under BDR custody without producing before court as per the laws:

1) Mr. Aungchagya Chak (37) s/o Thuila Khai Chak of Badurjiri village;

2) Mr. Mong Wai Chak (20) s/o Kijairi Chak, Madyam Chak Para.

BDR and RAB personnel threatened that all the villagers would be put in jail and indigenous Chak villages would be evicted if the villagers failed to rescue the kidnapped Bengali person. The villagers of indigenous Chak community at Baishari areas under Naikhyongchari are living with fears and insecurity.

--
PCJSS
(Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)
Kalyanpur, Rangamati-450000, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Tel+Fax: +880-351-61248 +880-351-61248
E-mail: pcjss.org@gmail.com, pcjss@hotmail.com
Website: pcjss-cht.org

Bengali settlers try to attack Jumma village in Longadu

2009-08-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

On 14 August 2009 a group of Bengali settlers tried to attack Jumma villages at Bagachadar union under Longadu upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. At least four Jumma villagers were allegedly beaten and looted in this assault.

It is learnt that as per recent government declaration of withdrawal of 35 temporary camps, Kathaltali camp was declared to withdraw and accordingly, out of 30 personnel of the camp, 15 were closed to Longadu zone on 13 August 2009 and rest of forces were supposed to withdraw on 14 August 2009.

It is also reported that early in the morning on 14 August Bengali settlers from Thega Para under Bagachadar union very closed to Kathaltali camp gathered at the place near to the camp and blockaded the camp to prevent withdrawal of the forces.

At a stage around 11.30 am, a group of Bengali settlers from Thega Para equipped with lather sharp weapon and stick tried to attack on indigenous Jumma villages namely Ranjit Para and Bagachadar village. However, Jumma villagers opposed the Bengali settlers’ attack.

At that time, following Jumma villgers were attacked at Thega Para village by Bengali settlers while they were returning home from Boiragi Dokan bazaar (market). This attack was made when the victims reached at Thega Para, a village of Bengali settlers situated middle of Ranjit Para and Boiragi Doka Bazzar. They were severely beaten and looted. The victims were:

1. Mr. Vim Chakma (22), s/o Banshi Mohan Chakma of Ranjit Para (cell phone & Tk 200 looted);

2. Mr. Surja Chakma (38) s/o late Rangachan Headman of Chibarega (cell phone & Tk 1000 looted);

3. Mr. Amalendu Chakma (35) s/o Bara Bandhu Chakma of Ranjit Para (Tk 1,200 looted);

4. Mr. Chandra Mohan Headman alias Bandukya (68) s/o late Jarmajoy Chakma of Rangi Para.

They were also compelled to sign in a paper stating that they were not beaten and looted by the Bengali settlers.

It is learnt that sensing the incident, Vice Chairman of Upazila Parishad Mr. Jane Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Longadu police station Mr. Dajjala and one Subedar (lower level commander) of Kathaltali camp rushed the spot. However, they seized all the sticks from Jumma villgers except Bengali settlers. They also held a meeting with representative of Bangali settlers and Jumma villegrs at Kathalitali camp where a committee was formed with following representatives:

Bengali settlers: Makbul, Shamsul Sarder, Jamshed leader, Kasem member, Borhan member, Gaffar (an army) and Wasim Ali Akand chairman (Bagachadar UP).

Jumma villegrs: Binoy Prasad Chakma, Tarit Kanti Chakma, Profulla master, Bina Chakma (UP member), Rupen Chakma, Sunil Kanti headman, Runu Chakma (UP member) and Subhash Chakma.

The members of the committee were asked to pacify the own community. However, the Jumma representatives alleged that Jumma villagers did not attack the Bengali settlers, rather Bengali settlers tried to do so. Hence, action should be taken against the Bengali settlers.

Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact -INFORMATION SHARING

2009-08-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

2nd Session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Geneva, Switzerland

August 10-14, 2009

Item 3 of the provisional agenda:

Study on Lessons Learned and Challenges to Achieve the Implementation of the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Education

Statement by Pallab Chakma

Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Students’ Council (PCP)

chtpcp1989@gmail.com, pallab.chakma@yahoo.com

Madam Chair, honourable indigenous brothers and sisters.

First of all I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate you and others experts for producing the expert report on education

I am a representative of indigenous Jumma people from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), the south-eastern part of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is culturally, ethnically, religiously and linguistically diversified country. There are more than 45 indigenous communities in the country with a total estimated population of nearly 3 million. Though these groups identify themselves as ‘adivasi’ or ‘indigenous’. The terms ‘ethnic minority’, ‘adivasi’, ‘indigenous’ and ‘tribal’ are used interchangeably within documents and literature in Bangladesh. In the PRSP document, they are mentioned as ‘Indigenous Peoples’, and at the PEDPII documents as ‘Tribal’.

The indigenous peoples of Bangladesh are facing various difficulties regarding their rights to education. Irrelevancy of curriculum with the local culture and social context, language barriers between teachers and students, recruitment or appointment of teachers from non-indigenous community, less numbers of schools and remoteness of communities, unfavourable school calendar, inappropriate government policy for indigenous children’s education are some of the most difficult obstacles to educational access faced by the indigenous groups. The education system is managed on one fixed model, without considering the need to make changes to deliver the education rights of indigenous peoples.

Under the provisions of the constitution of Bangladesh, the government undertakes some affirmative actions in favour of indigenous peoples including quota reservation in the government jobs and educational institutions for ‘tribal’ students. However government does not have any written policy of quota reservation. The public universities also don’t have clear policy in terms of admitting indigenous students. Government of Bangladesh formulated national Child Policy in 1994 but there is no single word on indigenous child.

Madam Chair, Bangladesh is signatory to numerous international conventions including ILO 107 and International Convention on Rights of Child. According to these international instruments government has to formulate its national policies for upholding the rights of concern groups. But we don’t see so in practical.

Government has the commitment to provide education in mother tongue to the Indigenous Peoples under its CHT Accord 1997, PEDPII and PRSP. But, due to centralized national curriculum system for all over the country, the system can not address the local specific context of the Indigenous Peoples. Political commitment from the government to translate the strategy and programmes into practice is essential to ensure Indigenous People’s rights to education through mother tongue.

Recommendations: International community can support national governments to deliver on commitments to indigenous education through policy advocacy and sensitization initiatives, with particular focus on-

• To introduce education through mother tongue for indigenous children.

• To include indigenous peoples’ perspectives to the national education policy

• To fully implement the CHT Accord 1997

• strengthen local capacity for locally relevant, participatory education which values indigenous cultures and languages

• Prioritize flexible delivery methods for all educational programmes to ensure quality inclusive education for Indigenous Peoples

• To formulate national policy according to international conventions that Bangladesh ratified.

Thank you Madam Chairl for your kind attention.
--
Kapaeeng Foundation
House # 13/14, Babar Road, Block # B, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207
E-mail: kapaeeng.watch@gmail.com

Indigenous crippled woman raped by a Bengali settler in Dighinala

2009-08-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

On 31 July 2009 a physically handicapped indigenous Chakma woman (20) of Dighir Parh of Boradom under Dighinala upazila in Khagrachari district has been raped by a field worker of Grameen Bank named Nazrul Islam.

It is learnt that on that day at around 3:30 pm field worker of Grameen Bank Nazrul Islam went to Dighir Parh by a motorbike to collect the installment of micro credit. He entered the house of victim in the name drinking water and raped the victim when he found alone. At that time, victim’s parents were not at the house.

A case was filed with Dighinala police station by the victim’s guardian. But the culprit is yet to be arrested. A procession protesting against the rape was brought out by Hill Women’s Federation and students of different educational institutions in Dighinala on 1 August 2009 demanding punishment of the culprit.

Bring violators of indigenous people's rights to justice

2009-08-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, 30 July 2009

Bring violators of indigenous people's rights to justice

Speakers say at report launching ceremony

Numerous cases of human rights violation committed by law enforcement agencies with impunity provided by the government is contrary to the laws of the country and should be brought to justice, said the speakers at the launch of the report on Indigenous People's Human Rights in Bangladesh 2007-08.

The report, published by Kapaeeng Foundation with the support of Oxfam, said serious cases of human rights violation of indigenous people include extra-judicial killing, arbitrary arrest, torture, harassment, religious persecution, arson and displacement by land grabbers.

During the last two years, three people died in military custody, three were killed by settlers and land grabbers, about 50 activists and 20 farmers were arrested, two monks were detained, eight people were tortured in custody and eight women were raped, it added.

The report said 15 incidents of land grabbing and arson by settlers, armed forces, NGOs and private companies also took place during the period.

The report was formally launched by Priyanka Simsang, daughter of slain Chalesh Ritchil of Madhupur who died in military custody, and Ranglai Mro, indigenous rights activist from Bandarban who was arrested allegedly on false charges in 2007.

Speaking on the occasion Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, demanded apology from the government on various incidents of human rights violation by state forces during the last two years.

Barrister Sara Hossain said the issues of human rights violation of indigenous people should be taken to the higher court.

The victims should be compensated, not only by the government but also by the persons directly involved in the incidents.

According to the census of 1991, around 1.2 million indigenous people live in Bangladesh and the total number of indigenous ethnic groups is 27.

Non-government bodies however put the number of groups in between 40 to 50 with around three million population.

Pankaj Bhattacharya, presidium member of Gono Forum, laid emphasis on re-establishing the secular nature of the constitution.

Without a secular constitution it would be impossible to ensure equal rights of the minority communities, he added.

Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy said implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord and constitutional recognition of indigenous people are necessary to ensure their rights.

He said the definition of human rights has an expanded meaning in the case of indigenous people.

Their rights to religion, language and culture should be ensured along with basic, political and economic rights.

The programme was chaired by Rabindranath Soren, chairperson of Kapaeeng Foundation, while Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, former vice chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, was the chief guest.

Shahriar Kabir, president of Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee, Rokeya Kabir, executive director of Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha, Mangal Kumar Chakma of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity, and Alexius Chicham of Oxfam also spoke on the occasion.

=========================

New Age, Dhaka, July 30, 2009

Rights activists call for ending repression on ethnic minority people

Intellectuals and rights activists on Wednesday observed that torture on indigenous people by lawmen had increased during the two years of state of emergency under the military-backed interim government.

They said that women were tortured more during the time as there was a move to demoralise the leadership in the indigenous community.

They were speaking at a function to launch Indigenous People’s Human Rights Report 2007-08 in the city. Kapaeeng Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dealing with rights issues, published the report.

Indigenous rights activist and also a victim, Ranglai Mro, who was tortured during the interim administration, and Priyanka Simsang, daughter of Chalesh Ritchil who died in custody, unveiled the report.

Leaders of the indigenous people who spoke at the function demanded trial of killers of indigenous people, including indigenous leaders Chalesh Ritchil and Kalpana Chakma, who never returned after being abducted 13 years ago.

Speaking as chief guest, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Zillur Rahman Siddique alleged that influential people with the support of police were evicting the ethnic minority people from their homesteads in different parts of the country.

He also alleged that custodial torture became rampant as in most cases police torture the accused while they are remanded in custody.

‘The lawmakers should come up to do something to stop violation of human rights during police remand,’ he said.

Chakma Raja Devashish Roy, who was also a special assistant to the interim government’s chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed, said the government should take initiatives to conduct trial of killings of indigenous people before and after the 1997 peace treaty.

The report launching ceremony was presided over by Rabindranath Saren, chairman of the foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, president of Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee Shahriar Kabir underlined the need for protecting the culture and languages of the indigenous people. There were 45 indigenous languages, many of which have already become extinct, he pointed out.

General secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Sanjeeb Drong said the authorities should at least feel sorry for not doing justice to the victims and apologise for their failure to conduct trial of the killers of Chalesh Ritchil.

Chalesh was allegedly killed in custody in March, 2007 while Ranglai was arrested in February the same year and was allegedly tortured by lawmen.

Chakma leader Mangal Kumar alleged that torture on indigenous people had increased during the state of emergency, which, he said, was used for different purposes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, home to some 11 indigenous communities.

Gono Forum presidium member Pankaj Bhattacharya and rights activist Rokeya Kabir and lawyer Sara Hossain also took part in the discussion.

Call to cancel illegal leases in CHT

2009-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

On 19 July 2009 Sachetan Nagorik Samaj organised a human chain demanding the cancellation of all illegal leases in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) allotted to non-tribal and non-local persons for rubber and other plantations. Eminent academic Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury, columnist Syed Abul Maksud, presidium member of Gono Forum Pankaj Bhattachariya, teacher of Dhaka University Shourav Sikder and Robaet Ferdous General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Sanjeeb Drong, Organising Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum Shaktipada Tripura, president of Bangladesh Adivasi Chantra Songram Parishad Sohel Hajong spoke at the rally.

They demanded the government cancel all illegal leases in CGT region and bring the land grabbers into book. It also demanded publication of a list of the grabbers who illegally took leases, including Major General (retd) M A Matin. He say, “we are living in the array of injustice in this country. One of the major injustices is done against the indigenous people. We can not do much against the powerful persons. We have to organize a united effort. Otherwise we would fail.” .He also demanded constitutional reorganization of indigenous people.

Abul Moksud termed the leasing as robbery of land. It is unjust that bureaucrats, political leaders and military personals are taking the land of indigenous people on lease, he added. The present government must reveal the list of persons who took the lease, he demanded.

It placed a set of demands at a human chain and a protest rally. The government should take immediate steps to stop land grabbing by punishing the grabbers, they said, adding that formation of a land commission is a must to end land disputes in CHT. Other demands include withdrawal of all temporary army camps and stopping Operation Uttaran, implementing the CHT Accord and providing constitutional recognition to the indigenous people.

Finally, moderator Hiron Mitra Chaskma put forward the demand of civil society including revealing of the list of leaseholder in the CHT; cancellation of all kinds of lease in the CHT; trial of M.A.Matin; recognition of indigenous people in the constitution and implementation of CHT Accord in letter and spirit.

It is mentionable that 1,605 plots of 40,077 acres of lands were leased out to the outsiders by the government in the name of rubber plantation and horticulture in Bandarban district alone. CHT Accord signed in 1997 between Government of Bangladesh and PCJSS provides “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”.

Accordingly, the Deputy Commissioners of the three hill districts in CHT were ordered to revoke this illegal settlement, lease or transfer of land through a letter no. CHTAM(P-1)/HD/ Miscellaneous/ 85/2000/529 issued by the CHT Affairs Ministry on 14 October 2000. Nevertheless, the process of giving lease and settlement of land to outsiders has not been stopped. This trend still goes on unabated covertly.

Govt to reactivate CHT Land Commission and 200 Mro families in fear of land-grabbers in Bandarban

2009-08-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

New Age, Dhaka, 2 July 2009

Govt to reactivate CHT Land Commission

The government would soon reconstitute the Chittagong Hill Tracts Land Commission to resolve land problem issues for all ethnic minorities in the hill districts, state minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Dipankar Talukder has said.

The state minister hoped that the Land Commission would start its works as soon as it is reconstituted.

About the provision of appointing a retired judge as the chairman of the Commission, he said, ‘We have to consider the physical and mental capability of the chairman… We have to see whether a judge after his retirement at the age of 67 years would be able to carry out the activities of the Commission as he would often require to visit the hilly region.’

Dipankar said the present government is working to create the atmosphere for the indigenous people in plain land and the hilly regions to live with honour and dignity.

He also said the government would allocate funds in the budget for the indigenous people and would expedite implementation of the CHT peace treaty.

Dipankar was addressing a workshop on ‘Livelihood Situation of Indigenous Communities in Plain Land and CHT of Bangladesh : The Constraints and Probable Solutions’.

ActionAid Bangladesh in collaboration with Alternative Movement for Resources and Freedom Society and PRA Promoters Society organized the workshop at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Discussants at the workshop earlier stressed the need for full implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord and immediate reactivation of the CHT Land Commission to solve the land problems faced by the indigenous people.

The workshop was moderated by ActionAid Bangladesh country director Farah Kabir and attended among others by former adviser to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal, writer Selina Hossain, Dhaka University professors Dr Dalem Chandra Barman and Dr Mesbah Kamal and leader of Garo ethnic community from Madhupur Maloti Nokrek.

Abu Naser, coordinator of PRA Promoters Society and Partha Hafaz Shaihk of ActionAid Bangladesh jointly presented a study report on Livelihood Situation of Indigenous Communities in CHT.

===========================

200 Mro families in fear of land-grabbers and terrorists in Bandarban

chtnews.com

News No. 73/2009, June 25, 2009

About 200 ethnic Mro families in Ronjupara, Penaipara, Chakkoipara and Bhattyapara under Tonkaboti Union in Bandarban Sadar Upazila have been living in fear of land grabbers and terrorists, says Prothom Alo, a leading national Bengali daily.

In a news article today, 25 June, the daily says “Since the attack on a villager of Penaipara on 18 June, the residents of the area have been living in fear of further terrorist attacks on them.”

“The villagers spoke of their sense of insecurity at a press conference held at Bandarban press club on Sunday. The chairman and members of Tonkaboti Union Council and village chiefs at the press conference demanded that land-grabber Shaha Alam and his terrorist gang members are arrested and brought to justice.

“At the press conference Tonkaboti Union Council Chairman Purna Chandra Mro said: ‘Shah Alam, a resident of Choromba area under Lohagora Upazila in Chittagong, has occupied without legal documents hundreds of acres of land belonging to Mro people with the help of his Rohinga terrorist gang. As a result the Mro people of Ronjupara and Penaipara have been unable to cultivate Jum for the last three years, plagued by dire financial crisis and compelled to live a substandard life. Complaints have been lodged with the government administration but to no avail, and the lack of effective measures on the part of the government has been a shot in the arms of terrorist Shah Alam.’

“Expressing anger village chief of Ronjupara, Luring Mro said: ‘I can no longer enter the land where we have been cultivating Jum for generations.’ He said Shah Alam and his terrorists tortured Rengrao while he was working at Jum field. He is still undergoing treatment in Bandarban Sadar Hospital. A case has been filed against six persons including Shah Alam; however police has so far failed to arrest any of them.’

“UP member Majeda Begum and Ashraf Mian told the press conference that they have been living in peaceful co-existence with the Mro. As Shah Alam has illegally occupied the lands of Mro people, who are simple and peaceful, they cannot cultivate their Jum fields and have to live in starvation.

“Bandarban Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anupam Barua said Shah Alam has no land in Tonkaboti Union. He is doing this defying an order not to occupy Jum lands belonging to Mro people.”

======================

The Daily Star, Dhaka, 2 July 2009

Stop encroachment of land of indigenous people

Speakers tell seminar

Indigenous people will continue to suffer land-related problems unless Bangalee settlers are withdrawn from the hilly region and camps of army, BDR, police and Ansar are removed, speakers at a seminar said yesterday.

They made the observation following a disclosure of findings of a research that the lands of ethnic communities are being encroached with the help of law enforcement agencies and even through secret government notification for rehabilitation of Bangalees in the region over the years.

It is unfortunate that even some NGOs are taking control of the land of indigenous people by any means supported by international donors, said Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon MP in his speech as the chief guest.

Association for Land Reform and Development organised the seminar on 'Real circumstances of Adivasi people losing land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Treaty perspective' at YWCA auditorium in the city.

"To build a peaceful society, we have to instil a sense of security in indigenous people so that they do not have the fear of losing their land," said columnist Syed Abul Maksud.

Researchers Shaktipada Tripura and Ilira Dewan presented separate papers on the findings of the research.

According to the papers, 1356 square miles of land were encroached in 1870 in the name of protecting the forest, and 54,000 acres land in between 1959 and 1962 for building the Kaptai dam, affecting the lifestyle of indigenous people and making them refugees.

In between 1979 and 1986, a total of 80,000 Bangalee families were rehabilitated in the hilly region on 920,000 acres of lands belonging to the ethnic communities, the researchers said.

"In 1992, around 2.18 lakh acres of land were declared as newly protected forest land while thousands of acres of land were leased out for industrialisation in the area on different occasions, affecting the livelihoods of indigenous people."

According to the paper, army camps were set up in 75,686 acres of land only in Bandarban while 40,077 acres of land were encroached by different companies, individuals and bureaucrats in the district.

"At present, indigenous people and permanent Bangalees in the hilly areas have 0.08 hectares of cultivable land per head compared to 0.20 hectares in other parts of the country."

The researchers also recommended putting an end to land encroachment in the hilly region, taking stern action against encroachers, making police and land administration more effective, implementing CHT Peace Accord, and giving constitutional recognition to indigenous people and ensuring their land rights.

Santal Rebellion Day observed in BangladeshThursday, July 2, 2009 6:27 AM

2009-08-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

New Age, June 30, 2009

Land right of ethnic minorities demanded

Jatiya Adivasi Parishad on Sunday called upon the authorities concerned to ensure the rights of the ethnic minorities to lands.

They made the call in a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka, marking Santal Rebellion Day, slated to be observed tomorrow.

‘The Santals revolted in June in 1855 to get back their lands from occupiers, but their right is not ensured till date,’ Rabindranath Soren, organisation secretary of the Parishad, told the press conference.

The lands of the ethnic minorities were being occupied over years in the name of eco-park, commercial gardening, coal mine and social forestation, evicting the minority communities, which is a complete violation of human rights, he said.

The organisation president, Anil Marandi, said though Bangladesh is a people’s republic and it should ensure rights for all, the ethnic minorities are victims of eviction, torture and abuse.

The organisation leaders called on all to observe Santal Rebellion Day on June 30 to help ensure the rights of ethnic minorities.

The press conference was also addressed, among others, by National Adivasi Parishad member Bimol Razoar, Adivasi Forum organising secretary Shaktipad Tripura, Adivasi Chhatra Parishad joint secretary Ramprashad Mahato and cultural activist Moinuddin Chisti.

=======================

The Daily Star, Dhaka, 30 June 2009

Indigenous people demand steps to protect rights

Star National Desk

Indigenous people have demanded a separate land commission and enactment of laws to protect their traditional culture and language, and constitutional rights.

Speakers at a discussion at Kakonhat municipality playground in Rajshahi district yesterday demanded punishment to the land grabbers who evicted 74 indigenous families at Khatirpur under Porsha upazila of Naogaon district on June 13, reports our RU correspondent.

Adivashi Sangskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) organised the discussion as part of their daylong programme marking the 154th anniversary of Santal Hul (revolution).

Indigenous people brought out a procession in Narail town yesterday demanding action against of Saif Hafiz Khokon who is allegedly grabbing their dwelling places with the help of fake documents, reports a correspondent from Narail.

Foundation for Women and Child Assistance (FWCA), a Rajshahi-based NGO, also demanded punishment to the perpetrators of the attack and arson incidents at 74 indigenous households in Porsha of Naogaon, reports our staff correspondent from Rajshahi.

A FWCA team visited Khatirpur Sonadanga village in Porsha and distributed cloths for the women and children of the affected families who are still staying under the open sky.

Colourful rally, discussion, archery, cultural programmes including traditional Santal dance and drama marked the daylong programme organised by Adivashi Sangskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) at Kakonhat municipality playground yesterday.

The programme began with offerings of wreaths to the idols of Sidhu and Kanu, the two brothers who spearheaded the Santal Hul.

The 1855-57 Santal Hul, one of the major revolts against the British rule, was directed against the influential people including landlords, usurers and administrative and police officials who made the life of the innocent Santals miserable.

At the discussion at Kakonhat municipality playground, speakers urged the government to observe the day at state level and to ensure the rights of indigenous people to their land and language.

They recalled the sacrifices and role of indigenous people during the Liberation War in 1971.

Speakers demanded punishment of the land grabbers who evicted 74 indigenous families at Khatirpur under Porsha upazila of Naogaon district on June 13 and immediate steps for rehabilitation of the evicted families.

Rajshahi-1 lawmaker Omar Faruque Chowdhury was present as the chief guest with ASUS Executive Director Rajkumar Shaw in the chair.

Jatiya Adivashi Parishad President Anil Marandi, Godagari upazila Chairman AKM Ataur Rahman Khan, Sangkalpa Executive Director Everest Hembram, Jatiya Adivasi Parishad Rajshashi district unit President Bimol Chandra addressed the discussion, among others.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, 30 June 2009

Constitutional recognition of indigenous people demanded

Freedom fighter Kakan Bibi honoured

Kakan Hennyata, who is also known as Kakan Bibi, an indigenous female freedom fighter from the Khasi community, has every right to be aggrieved.

Although she fought in as many as 20 battles with the Pakistani occupation forces and supplied arms and food to the freedom fighters in Sector No 5 during the liberation war in 1971, her contribution to the country's independence had never been acknowledged.

And she is no exception; the entire indigenous community is being badly treated in the country. They are being evicted from their own land, let alone acknowledging someone's contribution.

“I am Kakan Bibi. Everything seems beautiful here, everything seems okay and very good. I thank you all. That's it,” this is all that an aggrieved Kakan Bibi had to say after receiving the Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmoni Award at a reception at Engineers' Institution in the city yesterday.

The way Kakan Bibi was ignored bears testimony to the story of deprivation and marginalisation the indigenous people have underwent in the country over the years.

Kakan Bibi, 82, received the award at a daylong ceremony organised to mark the 154th anniversary of Santal Hool (rebellion).

Speakers at the programme reiterated their demands for constitutional recognition of the indigenous people, introducing primary education in their mother tongue, recognition of their land rights and return of the lands that had been grabbed.

“The indigenous people's right to land has not been ensured till date. It is not only a matter of shame but also sheer disregard for humanity,” said noted academic Prof Khan Sarwar Murshid in his speech as the chief guest.

He handed over the award -- a crest, Tk 20000 and a citation, to Kakan Bibi.

“Today we are recognising someone who had helped us win the liberation war being a successor of Sidhu-Kanhu-Fulmoni,” said litterateur Selina Hossain, who presided over the award giving ceremony.

The daylong programme was divided into four sessions. Earlier, a discussion on 'Constitutional recognition of Adivasi: precondition to build a democratic and religion impartial society' was held.

The daylong programme organised by Bangladesh Adivasi Adhikar Andolon ended with placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar following a cultural function staged by different indigenous communities.

The speakers at the programme demanded withdrawal of fake cases filed against the indigenous people, separate land commission for indigenous people on plain land and immediate arrest of the people involved in the attack on the indigenous people in Naogaon.

BDR tries to establish market at Ruilui in Sajek in order to settle down Bengalis

2009-08-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

On 12 June 2009 Commanding Officer (CO) from Marishya BDR camp along with El Thanga Pangkhua, Chairman of the Sajek union visited Ruilui area under no. 167 Ruilui mouza of Sajek union in Baghachari upazila. The main objective of the visit was to establish a market at the area close to Ruilui BDR camp. CO granted taka two lacs for setting the market. 6 houses as shop were constructed since after the visit.

Sources said that BDR have been trying to establish a market at that area in order to settle down Bengali settlers through out the border areas. It is learnt that BDR has a plan to settle down Bengali settlers at No. 10 and 9 Mile areas (Shijak thum) of Ruilui area, very close border to Indian Mizuram State. Locals have been opposing against the establishment of market at that area. Lal Thanga Lushai, Headman of Ruilui mouza is also opposing it. There are living basically Lushai, Pangkhua and Tripura ethnic groups.

Nachole grabbers eye land of 17 indigenous families

2009-08-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, Dhaka, 23 June 2009

Nachole grabbers eye land of 17 indigenous families

Our Correspondent, Chapainawabganj

Indigenous people yesterday formed human chain and held rally in Nachole Bus stand area demanding punishment to the hired goons of the land grabbers who tried to occupy land of 17 indigenous families at Dulahar village in Nachole upazila of the district on Thursday.

The attackers seriously injured two indigenous women and threatened with dire consequences if the 17 indigenous families did not vacate the khas land, the indigenous leaders said at the rally organised by Nachole Adivasi Adhiker Kendra and residents of Dulahar village.

Meanwhile, police arrested two persons in connection with Thursday's attack on indigenous people.

Belasius Murmu, president of Nachole Adivasi Academy, Hingu Murmu, president of Uttar Banga Adivasi Forum, Bisut Moni Toppo, central leader of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad, Prohlad Mahdi, member of upazila Adivasi Samannay Parishad, spoke at yesterday's rally.

They demanded security of the local indigenous people.

Earlier on Sunday, indigenous people observed protest programmes in Rajshahi, Naogaon and Magura demanding punishment to the perpetrators who evicted 74 indigenous families from their lands at Khatirpur under Porsha upazila of Naogaon district on June 13.

They also demanded immediate steps for rehabilitation of the evicted families.

Indigenous leaders had also urged the government to form a separate land commission for indigenous communities and ensure their constitutional rights.

Land Grabbing and Eviction of indigenous people from their land

2009-08-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, Dhaka, 16 June 2009

Evicted indigenous people living under open sky

Staff Correspondent

The indigenous people, who were evicted from their residences at Khatirpur at Porsha in Naogaon, are living under the open sky without any food, shelter and security as the government has not taken any step yet to stand beside the affected community, revealed a field visit report yesterday.

Bangladesh Adivasi Adhikar Andolon (BAAA) made the field inspection following the June 12 attacks on the indigenous community, evicting at least 74 families, including 56 indigenous ones, from their lands.

“I hope the government will take an initiative to resolve the crisis so that none should feel the necessity to wage a second war for independence,” said Justice Gholam Rabbani at a press briefing at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the city after disclosing the findings of the visit.

“The people will definitely look out the necessary ways for a second war of independence if the government fails to solve the problem,” he added.

Demanding immediate trial and punishment to the persons involved, lawmaker Fazle Hasan Badsha said, “Nur Hossain master committed two crimes -- one by making fake documents of the lands owned by indigenous people and then making the attacks and repression on the community people.”

BAAA also came up with a five-point demand following the visit, including immediate relief supply to the evictees, compensation to the affected in 72 hours, and punishment to persons, including Nur Hossain and Manjurul, involved in the attacks and arson in 24 hours.

The field visit also revealed that though the incident took place only 14 kilometres away from the local police station, police did not rush to the spot with any help, rather they assisted the attackers in looting valuables.

The field visit also claimed that Nur Hossain did not get any approval from the deputy commissioner in purchasing the land as required when a non-indigenous person wants to buy a piece of land owned by an indigenous person.

Other demands include withdrawal of the officer-in-charge of the local police station for negligence in carrying out his duty and formulation of a land commission to resolve land problems of the Adivasi community.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, 19 June 2009

Eviction of 74 indigenous families protested

RU Correspondent

Indigenous students of Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday staged a demonstration on the campus demanding exemplary punishment to those who evicted 74 indigenous families from their land at Khatirpur under Porsha upazila of Naogaon district on June 13.

Addressing a rally on the campus, leaders of the Adivasi Students Union (ASU) urged the government to form a separate land commission for indigenous communities and ensure their constitutional rights.

They strongly condemned the June 13 incident and demanded arrest of the local BNP leader and his hired goons who evicted 74 indigenous families.

The ASU leaders alleged that police did not take necessary steps to save indigenous people, rather they played role of mere spectators. They also demanded compensation for the victims.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, 19 June 2009

Alleged Settlers' Bid to Grab Land

Marma students join Boroitoli protesters

Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari

Members of Bangladesh Marma Students Council (BMSC) yesterday formed a human chain at Muktaman-chha in Khagrachhari town protesting settlers' alleged attempt to grab indigenous people's lands at different places in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

On Sunday last, a clash between settlers and indigenous people over a land dispute at Boroitali in Khagra-chhari district left 17 settlers seriously injured.

Later, the Marma students submitted a memorandum to the state minister for CHT Affairs Ministry through Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah demanding immediate steps to stop alleged settlers' bid to grab 300 acres of land at Boroitali in Guimara of Khagrachhari district.

They also demanded forming a high-powered parliamentary committee to investigate the Sunday's incident there, ensuring their traditional land rights through implementing Parbatya Chattagram Land Commission and bringing to justice the settlers and security men involved in land grabbing.

At a protest meeting organised by BMSC at Muktamancha in Khagrachhari hill town yesterday, speakers urged the government to take stern action against the settlers who allegedly wanted to grab 300 acres of indigenous people's land at Boroitali and their patronisers. They also urged ensuring security of the indigenous communities.

BMSC President Upaching Marma, Secretary Mongsaprue Marma, and Member Kayajai Marma spoke at the meeting.

Earlier on Wednesday, indigenous people of Boroitali village at a protest meeting on the premises of Khagrachhari deputy commissioner's office demanded stern action against attempt to grab indigenous people's land at Boroitali.

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Kapaeeng Foundation

House # 13/14, Babar Road, Block # B, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207

Adivasi village burnt-down in Porsha upazila of Naogaon district

2009-08-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

On 12 June 2009 the land-grabbers attacked an Adivasi village at Porsha upazila of Naogaon district and burnt-down 74 houses. At least four hundred people assembled with grievous weapons under the leadership of one Nur Hossain Master and his son Nazrul Haque and attacked village Khatirpur Upar-Sonadanga in Chhaor union.

The piece of land at the centre of dispute is a 18 bigha plot owned by two Santal brothers Chotka Mardi and Turka Mardi both of whom left for India during a communal tension a few years ago while their family members stayed back. Now Nur Hossain claims that they sold the land to him and want their nephew, Mr. Jerta Mardi alias Bondhon of village Kusumkunda, to get the permission of Adivasi land transfer done from the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Jerta Mardi refused to do that and Nur Hossain threatened to kill him by running a car over him.

Being threatened, Jerta Mardi raised the matter with local leaders like Azizul Islam, Mozibur Rahman, Ruhul Amin, Keram Uddin and Eshahak Ali and many others besides their own community leaders. The Bengali social leaders suggested the Adivasis to begin to live on the plot in order to keep the land under their possession. Accordingly, 56 Adivasi families settled down there and also allowed 18 landless Bengali families to reside there. Nur Hossain hired lathials from Gomastapur and tried to evict them on that day. Adivasis also tried to protect themselves with bows and arrows but they were overpowered. Police stood silent half a kilometer away and only moved in when every household, Adivasi and Bengali, was torched and looted. Many were critically injured including Sutar Kisku (45), Suren Murmu (35), Biswanath Hembram (28), Rajina Hasdak (32), Hosne Ara (32), Mosrefa and Deljan (70).

This News Release prepared in accordance with the report of Mesbah Kamal, Spokesperson, Adivasi Coalition

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A Buddhist Zadi plundered in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazaar district

On 13 June at night an ancient Zadi situated on top of Nilla Bazaar hill has been broken. Nilla is 12 miles north of Teknaf (Kayoukchoung) in the district of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It is not yet known whether it was an act of zealotry or was it merely plundered in search of treasure. Buddhist community from Teknaf visited the site the following morning on June 13, 2009. They found one of the Zadi partly broken having being dug from underneath the gu entrance. Some pictures are attached herewith. There are three Zadi on top of the hill and the biggest one has been found plundered. These Zadis could be seen clearly as we travel on road from Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf and also from the Burma side of river Naff that divide the two countries. The houses nearby that you will see in the pictures are the illegal Kala encroachments that they had settled not without the support of the local muscle men and goons. The local Buddhist community there in Nilla is very small (microscopic in act) in number and their faint voices could hardly reach the top helm of the Bangladesh government.

This News Release has been prepared in accordance with the report of Ven. U Bodhinyana , from Teknaf

CHT accord implementation body recast

2009-08-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, Dhaka, Thursday, May 21, 2009

CHT accord implementation body recast

First JS body meet outside Dhaka

Our Correspondent, Bandarban

Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury has been made chairperson of the National Committee for Implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord.

State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukder disclosed it at a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on CHT affairs in Bandarban yesterday.

It was the first time parliamentary standing committee meeting was held outside the parliament house.

He said that the CHT Land Commission will be reformed soon. “We want to appoint an energetic person for the post of chairman as the land commission is the most important institution in CHT aspect,” he said.

The state minister said it is very difficult for an old person to maintain the huge responsibility as land commission chairman. A justice retires from service at the age of over 67 years and the land commission will perform better if its chairman has been appointed from other services, he added.

“In the mean time we talked to two persons for the post of chairman of the commission and they agreed to join," Dipankar said.

A proposal has been submitted by the state minister for CHT affairs before the standing committee meeting to take decision to appoint any retired government official from any other service as the chairman of land commission.

ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury MP, Jyotindra Lal Tripura MP, Abdur Rahman Bodi MP and secretary and officials of the ministry concerned and other departments attended the meeting presided over by Promod Mankin MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs Ministry.

Prof Thanjama Lusai, chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council, was present at the meeting as a guest.

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The Daily Star, Dhaka, Monday, May 25, 2009

Dist councils of Bandarban, Rangamati reconstituted

Star Report

The government has reconstituted the Rangamati and Bandarban Hill District Councils.

The government, however, did not bring any change to the Khagrachhari Hill District Council as a case is pending with the High Court in this connection.

The CHT affairs ministry yesterday in separate fax messages dismissed the previous interim councils formed during the past caretaker government.

Our Rangamati correspondent reports: A five-member council was formed with district AL leader Nikhil Kumar Chakma as the chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council.

Four other members of the council are Aungsui Prue Chowdhury, Shamima Rashid, Brishaketu Chakma and Avilash Tangchangya.

Our Bandarban correspondent adds: Ka Shoilah Marma was made the chairman of Bandarban Hill District council. The members of the council are Kazi Mujibur Rahman, Prasna Kanti Tangchangya, Kew Sa Prue and Aung Prue Murang.

Ka Shoilah Marma was also the chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council in 1996-2001.

The previous interim councils were recast on July 15 in 2007.

Full Implementation of CHT Accord

2009-08-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

Date: 9 April 2009

To
Sheikh Hasina
Hourable Prime Miniter
Peoples’ Republic Government of Bangladesh
Prime Minister’s Office
Tejgaon, Dhaka.

Subject: Appeal for implementation of CHT Accord by adotping a clear roadmap with timeframe.

Hounarable Prime Minister,
Greetings! We, on behalf of citizens of the country, congratuate you for winning of Grand Alliance led by Awami League with bruck majority in the general election held on 29 December 2008. Civil society hope that the country will transform into a land of real democracy with rule of law, having food security, rapid development and peaceful existence. It is very hopeful that Awami League made clear commitment in its election manifesto ‘A Charter for Change’ section 18.2 that “The 1997 Chittagong Hill Tract Peace Accord will be fully implemented. More efforts will be directed toward the development of underdeveloped areas, and special programmes on priority basis will be taken to secure rights of the ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples and other communities, and to preserve their language, literature, culture, and unique lifestyles.”
We hope you are aware that in order to strengthening the cooperation of the citizens of the country in implementing the CHT Peace Accord, Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) and Kapaeeng Foundation jointly organised a seminar on 'Government's commitment to implement the CHT Accord and Active Popular Support' at the National Press Club in Dhaka on 31 March 2009. This seminar were attended by eminent citizens of the country including the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of CHT Affairs Mr. Promod Mankin MP and Chairman of the Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returee Jumma Refugees and Internally Jumma Displaced People Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura MP. The citizens participated in this semonar urged the present government to implement the CHT Peace Accord by framing a clear roadmap.
We, on behalf of citizens of the country, are submitting a roadmap with timeframe in order to implement the CHT Peace Accord. For you kind cosdideration and effective measures, the roadmap is given below:

First Phase: Accord Implementation Commiittee (to be reconstituted by May 2009)
The Accord Implementation should be reconstituted by May 2009 by appointing representative of the Prime Minister and effective planning with timeframe should be made by this committee.

Second Phase: Relevant Acts, Laws, Regulations and Rules (to be amended by July 2009)
Alteration, amendment and addition to relevant Acts, Laws, Regulations and Rules should be done by July 2009 as per CHT Peace Accord. These are given below:
1. To execute the CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) Act of 1998 properly and for this purpose-
(a) To approve the Rules of Business of the CHTRC;
(b) To finalise the CHTRC Chairman and Members’ Privileges Regulation 1999
(c) To determine the Status of the Rank of CHTRC Members.
2. To execute the three Hill District Council (HDC) Acts and for this purpose-
(a) To approve the Rules of Business of the HDCs;
(b) To transfer all subjects to the HDCs prioritising including law and order, police (local), land and land management, mother language education and secondary education, environment, youth development, local tourism, etc
(c) To transfer subjects along with institutions, man powers, functions of all levels by administrative order rather than agreement between different ministries and HDCs.
(d) To make following initiatives for the election of the three HDCs-
(i) To formulate the Electoral Rolls Ordinance and the Rules on Electoral Rolls;
(ii) To prepare voter list with permament residents of three hill districts;
(iii) To demarcate the constituencies (electoral areas).
3. To start functioning of the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission by taking following measures-
(a) To amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act of 2001 as per recommendations of the CHTRC;
(b) To start functining by apponting the Chairman and man power of the Land Commission.
4. In order to demilitarisation-
(a) To fix the time-limit for withdrawal of the all temporary camps of military forces by phases as per CHT Accord; and to start witthdrawal of camps from May 2009 and complete it by 2010;
(b) To withdraw ‘Operation Uttoron’ of military forces;
(c) To stop pacification programme of military forces.
5. CHT Accord stipulates for rehabilitation of only internally tribal displaced families. However, violating this provision, Special Affairs Division under Prime Minister’s office sent an order on 19-07-1998 to Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Tribal Refugees and Tribal IDPs asking to rehabilitate the Bengali settlers in CHT identifying them as IDPs. This office order should be withdrawn.
6. CHT Accord and HDC Acts authorise Circle Chiefs to issue permanent resident certificate in CHT. However, violating this provision, MoCHTA issued an office order on 21 December 2000 authorising Deputy Coommissioners of three hill districts side by side Circle Chiefs to issue permanent resident certificate. This office order should be withdrawn retaining only authority of Circle Chief to issue permanent resident certificate.
7. To formulate Rules and Reguulations for enforcing the provison for the appointment of permanent residents with the preference to the Jumma candidates in services of the CHT region and to insert necessary provisions to relevant regulations in this regard.
8. Decisions to withdraw 720 cases lodged against PCJSS members and permanent residents of CHT involved with PCJSS activities have been taken by three District Committees for Withdrawal of Cases and sent to Home Ministry for necessary action. However, the decisions are yet to be implemented. Hence, withdrawal of cases should be published in official gazette.
9. To withdraw all cases lodged against PCJSS members and permanent residents during BNP-led coalition government and caretaker government through Review Committee.
10. To increase quota in government jobs and higher educational institutions for indigenous peoples and implement it properly, and to formulate a written policy for the came;
11. To revise all laws and regulations applicable to the CHTs in consultation with the CHTRC or insert special provision to them in order to synchronize with the CHT Peace Accord. To take necessary effective measures in this regard through the Bangladesh Regulatory Commission.

Third Phase: Main Spirit of the Accord (to be implemented by December 2009)
In order to preserve the characteristics of Jumma indigenous peoples-inhabited status of CHT region, to strengthen the special governance system of CHT with CHTRC and three HDCs, to ensure rights of indigenous Jumma peoples, above all to ensure democratic good governance in CHT, the following issues should be implemented on priority basis-
1. In order to preserve the characteristics of Jumma indigenous peoples-inhabited status of CHT-
(a) To stop ongoing process of forceful grabbing of Jumma lands by Bengali settlers, and to return the land to the Jumma peoples.
(b) To rehabilitate the Bengali settlers outside CHT with dignity. For this purrpose, to stop rations by phases in CHT and in lieu of it, to offer rehabilitation package facilities including rations to them outside CHT. To accept financial aids of donor communities and development partners in order to voluntary relocation of Bengali settlers.
2. In order to strengthen and make effective the CHTRC-
(a) CHTRC is vested with coordination and supervision of the general administration, law and order and development; however three HDCs, Deputy Commissioners, Superintandent of Police, CHT Development Board and government authorities at different levels ignore the CHTRC authority. Hence, effective measures should be taken for ensuring the coordination and supervision of the CHTRC.
(b) To implement the project of the CHTRC complex (land acquisition and fund allocation);
(c) To allot a house in Dhaka or plot of land with fund for the CHTRC & HDCs
(d) To take necessary steps to bring the CHT Development under overall supervision of CHTRC as per CHT Accord.
3. For the purpose of holding elections of three HDCs-
(a) CHT Accord stipulates that voter lists of three hill district will be prepared only with the permanent residents (tribal and non-tribal permanent residents) of CHT. To prepare voter lists in accordance with this provision and accordingly to take necessary measures for elections of three HDCs;
(b) To demarcate electoral areas for election of HDC.
4. To transfer the Jumma police officers and constables to the three hill districts and form a mixed police force under HDCs as a definitive measure to improve the law and order in the hill districts.
5. For the purpose of immediate resolution of the land disputes-
(a) To start resolution of land disputes through Land Commission and complete it by 2010.
(b) To return the land abondoned by the military camp to the orginal owners.
6. To cancel all land lease given to non-residents before and after signing of the CHT Accord;
7. In regard to rehabilitation of returnee Jumma refugees-
(a) To return the land grabbed by Bengali settlers to to 9,326 refugee families;
(b) To exempt bank loan of returnee refugees.
8. To take necessary measures for consideration of services of reinstated 64 PCJSS members and 196 returnee refugees during the period of insurgency as qualified service-period, seniority, regularisation of pay-scale, allowances and retirement benefits etc.
9. Rehabilitation of PCJSS members-
(a) To allocate fund for the 1,429 self-employment projects submitted by the PCJSS members to the government.
(b) To exempt bank loan amounting Taka 22,783 of 4 PCJSS members.
10. For the ministry to.
11. To appoint permanent residents as officers and staff of the Ministry of CHT Affairs, with priority for Jumma people in order to ensuring active role in implementation of the CHT accord and to sensitising the MoCHTA. To appoint competent Jumma officers on contract basis in this regard.

Forth Phase: Constitutional Recognition and Indigenous Peoples’ Rights (to be implemented as early as possible)
Bangladesh is the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country. A number of 45 ethnic groups of indigenous peoples other than mainstream Bengali population have been living in this country since time immemorial. The Constitution of Bangladesh does not recognise the presence of indigenous peoples in the country. However, for the sake of integraty, development, democracy and human rights, constitutional recognition of these ethnic is a must. The Article 28(4) of the Constitution provides scope for affirmative action in favour of the ‘backward section of citizens’. For this purpose, the following issues should be addressed-
1. Constitutional recognition-
(a) To recognise ethnicity, languages and culture of the 45 indigenoous ethnic group in the Constitution;
(b) To recognise traditonal land rights of indigenous peoples in the Constitution in accordance with ILO Convention no. 107 and 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples and United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted in 2007.
2. Indigenous Peoples’ Rights-
(a) To make efforts to ratify ILO Convention no. 169 concerning Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
(b) To make efforts to revise national sector-level policies by including indigenous peoples’ perspectives in them;
(c) To include training module on the CHT Accord, the special administrative system in the CHT, and indigenous peoples’ rights in the curricula of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Center (BPATC), judicial services, police services, Bangladesh Military Academy and the National Defense College;
(d) To reserve seats for indigenous peoples in the parliament and local government councils for all regions inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the 3 parliamentary seats of the hill districts.
Citizens of the country strongly believe that implementation of the CHT Accord is a must for strengthening the democratic good governace, ensuring the people-oriented and enviorment-friendly development and rule of law in CHT. Civil society also believes that this is right time to take initiative for implementation of the CHT Peace Accord. Therefore, we, on behalf of citizens of the country, would like to draw your attention to take initiative immediately for implementation of CHT Accord on priority basis.
Sincerely Yours

On behalf of citizens of the country-
Name Signature/illegible
1. Khushi Kabir, Coordinator, Nijera Kori
2. Abul Barakat, Professor and Chairman, Department of Economices, Dhaka University
3. Mangal Kumar Chakma, Information and Publicity Secretary, Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS)
4. Pankoj Bhattachariya, Presidium Member of Gono Forum
5. Shamsul Huda, Executive Dircetor, ALRD
6. Dipayan Khisa, Vice Chairperson, Kapaeeng Foundation

For your kind information and necessary action, copy to-
1. Dr. Dipu Moni, Honarable Minister, Foreign Ministry, Peoples’ Republic of Government of Bangladesh, Dhaka
2. Barrister Shafique Ahmed, Honarable Minister, Law, Justice and Parlimentary Ministry, Peoples’ Republic of Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
3. Mr. Syed Ashraful Islam, Honarable Minister, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperative Ministry, Peoples’ Republic of Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
4. Mr. Rezaul Karim Hira, Honarable Minister, Land Ministry, Peoples’ Republic of Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
5. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar MP, Honarable State Minister, CHT Affairs Ministry, Peoples’ Republic of Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
6. Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhorpiya Larma, Chairman, CHT Regional Council, Rangamati
7. Mr. Promod Mankin, MP and Chairman, Parlimentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs Ministry, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka
8. Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP and Chairman, Task Force on Rehabilitation of Returnee Refugees and IDPs, Khagrachari
9. Mr. Bir Bahadur, MP and Chairman, CHT Development Board, Rangamati
10. Mr. A B M Fazle Karom Chowdhury, MP and Member, Parlimentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs Ministry, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka
11. Mr. Abdur Rahman Badi, MP and Member, Parlimentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs Ministry, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka
12. Mr. K M Khalid, MP and Member, Parlimentary Standing Committee on CHT Affairs Ministry, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Dhaka

Buddhist monk harassed by Captain Shamim in Naniarchar

2009-08-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

On 21 May 2009 Captain Shamim of Betchari army camp under Naniarchar upazila in Rangamati district harassed and tried to beat Rev. Bishuddhananda Bhikkhu, chief priest of Ratnankur Buddhist Temple in Naniarchar along with his fellow monks and novices while he was returning from Mahalchari upazila after attending a religious event at Tarachari village of Kengelchari area.

It is learnt that vehicle carrying Rev. Bishuddhananda Bhikkhu was halted when it reached at the check post of Betchari army camp around 10.30 am. The army ordered to get down from vehicle for checking. However, Rev. Bishuddhananda Bhikkhu refused to get down, though others got down. Rev. Bishuddhananda Bhikkhu argued not to check the vehicle as it belongs to his Buddhist temple.

Captain Shamim misbehaved him and tried to tie him with a rope. In the meantime, a group of army from hill top of army camp came down to the check post with ropes in their hands. After nne and half hours, the Second-in-Command of Naniachar zone rushed there and apologised for misbehavior and then allowed monks to go their temple in Naniarchar.

Protesting against harassment of Buddhist monk, demonstration was brought out in Chittagong and Naniarchar. It is learnt that two protesters namely Ms Juthika Chakma, and Ms Mika Chakma were arrested while they were returning from the protest. They were set free from Naniarchar army zone after taking signature on blank white paper.

PCP holds demonstration at DU campus against the rape and killing of Jumma girl

2009-08-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

On 12 May 2009 at about 11 am Hill Students Council (PCP) Dhaka metropolitan unit organized demonstration protesting against the rape and killing of an indigenous Marma girl at Dhaka University campus. It is mentionable that Ms. Mai Pukong Marma (18), d/o Binu Aung Marma of Remong Member Para under Lama Thana was raped and then killed by the project employee Mohammad Juwel in Lama upazila (sub-district) under Bandarban district. Killer Juwel, s/o Jalaluddin used chloroform to faint the victim and then raped savagely. Mai Pukong Marma was a worker of tobacco garden under Agro Plantation Project in Lama.

The PCP protest rally started from Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University and moved around the art building and then ended in front of the central library. The speakers of the demonstration demanded to arrest the culprit and to remove Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lama police station Mr. Rafiqul Islam from Lama. It is alleged that Mr. Rafiqul Islam was trying to defend the culprit Md. Juwel. Students from different organization including Bangladesh Adivasi Student Action Forum, Tripura Student Forum, Hajong Student Association and Bangladesh Garo Student Association expressed their deep concern over the prevailing situation in CHT. They also demanded to the government to implement CHT Peace Accord soon. Mr. Nitol Chakma, Mr. Sunirmol Dewan, Mr. Sohel Hajong, Ms. Priasi Tripura, Mr. Romeo Tripura were the speakers in the demonstration while Rigan Chakma presided over the demonstration.

A photo of demonstration is attached herewith.
Kapaeeng Foundation

Indigenous culture wearing off

2009-08-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, Sunday, April 12, 2009

Indigenous culture wearing off

Says Larma, blames non-implementation of CHT accord

Star National Desk

The indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are losing their culture and customs as the CHT peace accord has remained unimplemented for years.

Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma), chairman of CHT Regional Council and also chief of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS), said this in Rangamati while inaugurating a rally yesterday on the occasion of Biju, the biggest festival of the indigenous people in CHT.

They are also passing their days amid insecurity, he alleged.

Indigenous communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Tangchangya, Mro, Chak and Khumi celebrate the festival to shed the sorrows of the previous year and welcome the Bangla New Year.

Called by the Chakmas as Biju, the festival is known by different names to the indigenous communities in Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari hill district in CHT.

The Marmas observe it as Sangrain, the Tripuras as Boisuk and the Tangchangyas Bisu.

CHT indigenous people observe the festival for three days including last two days of the old year and first day of the Bangla New Year and so, main functions of the festival will start today and end on Tuesday.

Biju Udjapan Committee yesterday organised a mammoth colourful rally that paraded from Rangamati pourasabha to Rajbari in the town.

Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma) inaugurated the rally held on the premises of Rangamati Municipality office while barrister Devasish Roy, chief of Chakma Circle, addressed it as the chief guest.

Former law advisor Hassan Arif, Gano Forum leader Pankaj Bhattacharya and journalist Syed Abul Moksud addressed the rally as special guests.

“We signed the peace accord with the government for preservation and development of our ethnic cultures. Eleven years have elapsed after signing of the deal, but steps have not been taken for its full implementation, Santu Larma said at the rally.

He urged the present government to take immediate steps for full implement of the accord.

Calling upon the indigenous people to uphold their culture and customs, Devasish Roy said indigenous people are still being deprived, tortured and harassed by the rulers.

Due to lack of political good will, the indigenous people have been deprived of their fundamental rights for long and that is why they are lagging behind, Hassan Arif said.

Biju Udjapan Parishad in Rangamati has taken elaborate programmes including art competition, rally, roundtable, traditional games and sports, cultural function, film show, drama, and floating flowers to celebrate the festival.

Earlier on Thursday, indigenous cultural organisation Jhum Aesthetic council arranged an art competition and a prize-giving function at Ashika hall room in the town.

Our Khagrachhari correspondent reports: Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged the government to ensure constitutional rights for indigenous people of the country.

They also urged ensuring the rights and privileges of indigenous people as per CHT peace accord signed between the then Awami League government and PCJSS in December 1997.

Boishabi Ujjapon Committee organised the discussion at Tribal Cultural Institute (TCI) in hill town Khagrachhari.

Refugee Affairs Taskforce Chairman Zatindra Lal Tripura attended as chief guest at the function presided over by Khagrachhari Hill District Council Chairman Ruhity Karbari.

INFORMATION SHARING

2009-08-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Statement of the participants of the Asia Regional Seminar

“Experiences and lessons learned concerning the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights”,

Kathmandu, Nepal April 27-29, 2009

More than 90 representatives of indigenous peoples, government and national human rights institutions from 13 Asian countries, along with representatives of UN agencies and bilateral and multilateral development agencies convened in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Seminar was jointly organized by the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), the Regional Initiative on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Development of the UNDP (UNDP-RIPP), the Programme to Promote ILO Convention No. 169 of the ILO (ILO/PRO 169) and the National Foundation for the Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN).

The aim of the seminar was to discuss and exchange experiences and lessons learned in the Asian region concerning the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights, as enshrined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the ILO Convention No. 169.

The seminar provided the participants a unique opportunity to be inspired and motivated by the efforts of the Nepali government and indigenous peoples and their organizations to include indigenous peoples’ rights in the current state reform process and to implement ILO Convention No. 169, which Nepal ratified in September 2007.

The seminar was privileged with the presence of Chief Guest, Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly of Nepal, Rt. Honourable Subhas Chandra Nemwang and Guest of Honour, Honourable Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs of Bangladesh. Both honoured guests strongly encouraged and motivated the other participants through their commitment to working for the implementation of indigenous peoples' rights in their respective countries.

During the course of the seminar, the participants shared experiences concerning the key challenges and opportunities regarding the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights at regional, national and local levels, including issues related to the identification and recognition of indigenous peoples; consultation, participation and consent; land, territories and natural resources and key government responsibilities with regard to implementation of indigenous peoples' rights.

The seminar confirmed that the Asian region has generated valuable experiences and lessons learned concerning the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights. However, much still remains to be done, in terms of adequate inclusion of indigenous peoples’ rights in constitutions, legislation, policies - and execution of those policies - for ensuring implementation of already existing national and international instruments, laws and policies, which is the minimum standard for survival of indigenous peoples. Although some positive steps are seen with regards to the establishment of institutions, there is still a need to develop and strengthen the institutional mechanisms for implementation of indigenous peoples' rights, including the allocation of adequate budget provisions by governments and donors.

One particular challenge, shared across countries in the region, is the establishment of permanent mechanisms for consultation, participation and consent of indigenous peoples in all levels of decision-making that affects their lives and communities.

Inspired by the sharing of experiences and good practices, the participants made key recommendations to indigenous peoples' organisations, governments, donors and other concerned stakeholders in the following areas: using national and international human rights frameworks; meaningful consultation, participation and representation of indigenous peoples, especially women and youth; strengthening government and indigenous peoples' capacity; recognising land and resources and establishing forms of self determination in practice. The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to work towards the implementation of indigenous peoples’ rights, through local and national activities as well as enhanced regional networking.

Co-organized by:

International Labor Organization (ILO)

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)

National Foundation for the Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN)

Greetings from Kapaeeng Foundation!

2009-08-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to inform you that Kapaeeng Foundation and Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD) are going to organize jointly a seminar titled as “Government Commitment to Implement the CHT Accord and Active Popular Support” to be held at the VIP Lounge of the National Press Club at 10.30 am on 31 March 2009.

Mr. Promode Mankin, honorable Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliament Standing Committee on Ministry of CHT Affairs will be present in the seminar as Guest of Honor. Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma, Information and Publicity Secretary of PCJSS will present a paper as keynote speaker. Raja Devasish Roy, former Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government, Mr. Pankaj Bhattacharjee, a senior politician, Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, honorable Member of Parliament from Khagrachari, Dr. Abul Barakat, Professor and Chairman of Department of Economics of Dhaka University, Barrister Sara Hossain, Advocate, Bangladesh Supreme Court and Human Rights Activist will take part as panel discussant and Rabindranath Soren, Chairperson of Kapaeeng Foundation will deliver the welcome address.

The seminar will be chaired by Mr. Shamsul Huda, Executive Director, ALRD.

You are cordially invited to the seminar.

Sincerely Yours

Dipayan Khisa

Vice Chairperson

Kapaeeng Foundation

Dhaka

Government urged to declare roadmap for implementation of CHT Accord

2009-08-14T13:23:00.001-07:00

Kapaeeng News Release: 1 April 2009

“Government should start implementation of CHT Peace Accord without any delay. Roadmap with timeframe should be set out by the government to implement the accord”, speakers demanded in a national seminar held in Dhaka. They also said that this is the right time to implement the CHT Accord and the government should undertake all possible steps for establishing lasting peace in CHT.

The speakers raised this demand at a seminar titled “Government Commitment to implement the CHT Accord and active popular support” jointly organized by Kapaeeng Foundation, a human rights organization of indigenous peoples and Association of Land Reform and Development (ALRD), a national NGO on 31 March 2009 at national press club in Dhaka. Presided over by ALRD executive director Shamsul Huda, the seminar was attended by Advocate Promod Mankin MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of CHT Affairs as chief guest.

Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma, Information and Publicity Secretary of PCJSS presented a keynote paper. In his paper, he stated the present status of implementation of CHT Accord. He said that though the then government of Awami League implemented few issues of the Accord, but the main issues of the Accord were not implemented. He urged the government to start implementation of the Accord from May 2009 and to complete it within 2 years. He also urged government to reconstitute the Accord Implementation Committee by appointing the representative of the Prime Minister to the committee by next May. He demanded a clear roadmap from the government to implement the Accord.

In his speech as chief guest, Mr. Promod Mankin said that present government is very keen to implement the Accord. Informing his recent consultation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said that Prime Minister is committed to establish peace in the CHT. Referring to the Prime Minister’s comment in regard to Bengali settlers, he said that Bengali settlers would be withdrawn from CHT phase by phase. He also added that Parliamentary Standing Committee under his stewardship would always play active role in implementing the Accord. He asked the civil society members to submit a draft roadmap of implementation of the Accord to the Prime Minister with sending a copy of it to his parliamentary standing committee.

Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, ruling party MP from Khagrachari, said that land commission would be reconstituted to resolve land problem in CHT. He assured that he would rehabilitate the internally displaced persons as per CHT Accord.

Mr. Pankaj Bhattachariya, presidium member of Gono Forum, said that the main obstacle in implementing the peace accord is the fanatic and war-criminal forces. At present the enemy was identified. He urged the government to implement the CHT Accord within two years by reconstituting the Accord Implementation Committee in next May.

Barrister Devasish Roy, Chakma Circle Chief and special assistant to the Chief Advisor of the Caretaker Government said that for the sake of constitutional guarantee of the CHT Accord, the Accord should be inserted in the first schedule of the constitution. Expressing his experience, he added that for the sake of making effective role of the Ministry of CHT Affairs, appointment of the permanent residents prioritizing the indigenous people to the post of officers and employees of the CHT Ministry should be given priority. He called on the government to take immediate steps first to amend the CHT Land Disputes Resolution Commission Act 2001 as per recommendation of the CHT Regional Council. He expressed that it would not be wise to work for him as a member of Land Commission under the existing Land Commission Act for resolution of land disputes as it is contradictory to the CHT Accord.

Barrister Sara Hossain, an eminent human rights activist, said that legal issues, such as, enactment and amendment of acts, rules, regulations of CHT Accord should be done first. Then resolution of land disputes should be given priority in implementing the Accord. Referring to include a subject on indigenous peoples’ issues in the training manual of Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) and National Defense College (NDC), she suggested to incorporate the same issues in the training manual for judicial services. She also informed that during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in UN Human Rights Council in last February, foreign minister Dr. Dipu Moni did not say anything about the implementation of the CHT Accord. However, Dr. Moni assured that government would submit roadmap of implementation of the Accord during the next session to be held in June 2009. Sara Hossain called on the civil society member to influence government for formulation of roadmap for implementation of the Accord before the next session of UPR.

In his speech as chair of the seminar, Mr. Shamsul Huda said that the withdrawal of temporary camps and Operation Uttoron should be given priority in implementing the peace accord. He added that civil society should take supportive role to the government for speedy implementation of the Accord. He expressed that constitution recognition and seat reservation for indigenous peoples should be made for sake of good governance.

Among others, eminent human rights activist Ms. Rosaline Costa, women rights activist Ms. Delara Rekha, VSO Ms. Hosne Ara Begum, indigenous rights activist Mr. Kirti Nishan Chakma, RDC organizer Mr. Mazharul Islam, indigenous rights activist Mr. Albert Mankin, Santal leader Subodh Baskey etc spoke during the open discussion. Earlier Mr. Rabindranath Soren, Chairperson of the Kapaeeng Foundation delivered the welcome speech while Mr. Dipayan Khisa conducted the start of the seminar.

Govt plans to product gas from Semutang gas field without consultation of CHT institutions

2009-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Govt plans to product gas from Semutang gas field without consultation
of CHT institutions

Kapaeeng News Release, 31 March 2009

Very recently, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) undertakes plan to begin
production of gas from Semutang gas field in Manikchari upazila under
Khagrachari district in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) without having
consultation with CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) and Khagrachari Hill
District Council (HDC).

It is mentionable that the CHT Peace Accord of 1997 introduces CHTRC
as an apex body of CHT administration. According to the CHTRC Act of
1998, it was bestowed with the power of supervision and coordination
of the general administration, law and order and developments of the
three hill districts and issuing licenses for setting up heavy
industries in this region.

On the other, there is provision in the CHT Peace Accord (Section 19
of Part B) that all development programs at national level shall be
implemented through the HDC by the concerned Ministry/ Department/
Institution. According to the HDC Act of 1998, it was also bestowed
with the authority of issuing license for local industries and
business and receiving part of royalties from license or lease given
by the government for exploration and extraction of mineral resources.
However, violating these provisions, GoB decides to start production
of gas from Semutang gas field in Khagrachari district. Kapaeeng
Foundation contacted to the office bearer of CHTRC, he, requesting not
to mention his name, said that CHTRC was not consulted on this matter.
When in February, Industry Minister Mr. Dilip Barua visited the
Semutang gas field area, he even did not inform the issue to the
CHTRC.

Kapaeeng Foundation tried to contact to the authority of Khagrachari
HDC over telephone. But no body was found to receive the call.
However, reliable sources confirmed that government or authority of
Bapex did not consult with the Khagrachari HDC on this matter.
For information, please find the news published in The Daily Star below.

==================
The Daily Star, Sunday, 29 March 2009
Semutang gas to ease Ctg crisis
Bapex to start production in 2 years
Jasim Majumder, Khagrachhari

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company (Bapex) expects to begin
production of gas from Semutang gas field in Khagrachhari to help ease
the deficit of gas supply in Chittagong city.

Preparations for production from the gas field have already begun,
more than 40 years after the field was discovered.

High officials of the company said production of 15 million cubic feet
of gas per day from the field is expected to begin by June 2011.
The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) has
already approved a Tk 340 crore project titled “Exploration and
Production Capacity Building of Bapex" in this regard.

Under this project, Bapex is to get Tk 200 crore while Bakhrabad Gas
System Ltd will get Tk 140 crore. Bakhrabad Gas System Ltd is to set
up a 70 km high-pressure gas pipeline using 10-inch radius pipes this
year from the field to Chittagong for smooth transfer of gas.

Md Mohsin, secretary of the energy ministry and Jalal Ahmed, chairman
of Petrobangla, jointly visited the Semutang gas field area earlier
this month and announced the production plan from well no 5 of the
field.

They said that the additional gas produced at this field would help
towards beating the severe energy crisis in the country.

The government plans to supply 10 million cubic feet of gas per day to
the business capital of Chittagong and the remaining 5 million cubic
feet will be added to the national pipeline, sources said.

Officials said they expect to raise the production to 20 million cubic
feet of gas per day soon afterwards.
The government is also thinking of setting up some production units
and mills in the area to ease unemployment in Khagrachhari,
Petrobangla chairman Jalal Ahmed said.

Energy Secretary Md Mohsin also said work on gas pipeline will begin
once all official and legal processes have been completed.
Managing Director of Bapex Amad Uddin said the company is continuing
work and research to ensure the smooth flow of gas to Chittagong city,
which lies some 70 kilometres away.

At present, Chittagong city has a demand of 350-360 million cubic feet
of gas per day. Of this, Bakhrabad Gas authority supplies 210 to 220
million cubic feet while 50 million cubic feet comes from Sanghu Gas
field, while the national pipeline supplies some more.

Earlier, in February, Industry Minister Dilip Barua visited the gas
field area. At the time he had noted that the work at industries in
Chittagong was being hampered due to the gas crisis, and promised that
the government has taken an initiatives to extract gas from Simutang
gas field.

SEMUTANG GAS FIELD
The British company Shell and Pakistan Petroleum Ltd jointly carried
out the exploration of gas in 22 acres of the area in 1963,
discovering the field at Juggachhola Semutang area under Manikchhari
upazila in Khagrachhari. Five wells were dug here at the time.

Both teams experimentally extracted gas and oil from the field in
1969. But the collapse of a well put a stop to work here at the time.
The then Pakistan government resumed work in 1970 but that was also
stopped.

In 1983, the government took initiatives to go into production but
work was stopped again when the Shantibahini abducted two British
engineers working here.

Exploration was resumed by Shell in 1994 under a production sharing
contract but that was again dropped since they thought that production
from the field would not be profitable.

Trial of Richhil’s killers demanded

2009-08-14T13:19:00.000-07:00

New Age, Dhaka, March 19, 2009

Trial of Richhil’s killers demanded
Staff Correspondent

The ethnic community rights activists on Wednesday demanded immediate trial of the killers of their leader Chalesh Richhil and scrapping of the Eco Park Project at Madhupur in Tangail.
They put forward the demand at a human chain formed in front of the National Museum at Shahbag in the capital, organized by Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolan and Bangladesh Chhatra Sangram Parishad on the occasion of Richhil’s second death anniversary.
‘Chalesh Richhil, who was the leader of the anti-eco park movement at Madhupur, was killed brutally while remaining in custody of the law enforcers about two years ago. But we haven’t noticed any significant progress in the trial process,’ Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolan general secretary, Mesbah Kamal said at the human chain.
‘The investigation committee, which was formed on May 5, 2007, is yet to submit its report on his death,’ he added.
He also demanded making the investigation report of Richhil’s death public without any delay and punishment for his killers in accordance with the law.
The speakers called on the government to scrap the Eco Park Project at Madhupur right away and withdraw the fabricated cases filed against the ethnic people by the forest department.
Deshpremik Janaganer Mancha convener, M Enamul Huq, National Garments Workers’ Federation general secretary, Amirul Huq Amin, Bangladesh Chhatra Sangram Parishad president, Sohel Hajang, and Pahari Chhatra Sangram Parishad general secretary, Bablu Chakma, spoke, among others, on the occasion.
Rights leader of the ethnic community at Madhupur, Chalesh Richhil died on March 18, 2007 after torture while in custody.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kapaeeng Foundation
Date: Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Subject: BAOA & BCSP demanded trial of Cholesh Risil murder and establishment of rights of IPs on land and forest
To: "kapaeeng.watch"

The Daily Star, Dhaka, Thursday, March 19, 2009
Trial demanded
Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon and Bangladesh Chhatra Sangram Parishad demanded trial of Cholesh Risil murder and establishment of rights of indigenous people on land and forest.

They made their demands from a human chain at Shahbagh in the city yesterday.

They said a judicial probe committee was formed in May 5, 2007 after the murder of Cholesh Risil, but the committee submitted its report yet.

Although seven indigenous people were killed so far in connection with the problem of Madhupur forest and land but trial of any of the murder completed yet, they added.

They also demanded withdrawal of all false cases against indigenous people, cancellation of eco-park project, and solution of land-related problems.

Bangladesh Adivasi Odhikar Andolon General Secretary Prof Meshbah Kamal, Organising Secretary Rakhi Mrang, convener of Desh Premik Janaganer Mancha M Enamul Haque, general secretary of Jatiya Garments Sramik Federation Amirul Haque Amin, and Shahidul Islam Shabuj, among others, addressed the gathering.
================
The Daily Star, Dhaka, Thursday, March 19, 2009

Extinguish fire at Madhupur forest

Demands Save Environment Movement

Staff Correspondent

Save Environment Movement yesterday demanded effective steps to put out the fire at adhupur forest.

Addressing a human chain at Shahbagh, its leaders said although the fire broke out at Beribaidh Bit of the forest on March 4, the authorities concerned did not take initiatives to put out the fire.

The fire is destroying different herbal trees and the biodiversity of the forest. As a result, different animals are coming out in the locality for want of food, they said.

Over the last few years, the 45,600 acres of forest has been reduced to 7500 acres due to development activities in the forest to serve the interest of a vested quarter.

They urged everyone to come forward to save the forest.

Chairman of Save Environment Movement Abu Naser Khan said although gas and minerals are considered as resources, forests are not considered as such and that is why the forests are being destroyed continuously.

Dr Sadrul Amin, educationist Pijush Kanti and social worker Nazimuddin also spoke.

4-year indigenous Chakma girl raped by Bengali settlers in Dighinala

2009-08-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Daily Star, Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Horrific!
Our Correspondent, Khagrachhari

A four-year-old indigenous girl was violated by a youth at Maidda
Boalkhali under Dighinala upazila in Khagrachhari on Sunday.

The ill-fated girl faced the horrific incident on the day when
International Women's Day was observed in the country as elsewhere in
the world.

Police said they arrested the culprit, Mohammad Mostafa, from Maidda
Betchhari area under the same upazila with the help of villagers
yesterday.

The arrestee was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's
Court, who sent him to jail, said Sub-Inspector Khokon Chandra Das of
Dighinala Police Station.

A case has been recorded under Children and Women Repression
Prevention Act, he said.

The victim is now undergoing treatment at Khagrachhari Sadar Adhunik Hospital

Dr BK Tripura, Resident Medical Officer of the hospital, said they
have completed examination. He, however, declined to disclose the
report.

Rina Dewan, district president of Hill Women's Federation, condemned
the incident and demanded punishment to the culprit.

Dhaka Alternative Archive: India’s unconventional war strategy

2009-03-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

This force comprises the Chittagong Hill Tracts Hindu and Buddhiststribesmen (the Chakmas) and the intention is to bleed the Bengali militaryand keep the border area tense. The Chakmas used to embarrass theBangladesh government ...>more> http://dhakaalternativeaechive.blogspot.com/2009/02/indias-unconventional-war-strategy.html

Hasina for political solution

2009-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said problems of the Chittagong HillTracts (CHT) will have to be resolved politically as these are allpolitical >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76547

Number of guest birds on the decline

2009-03-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

There is no sanctuary for birds in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT),although there is a lone sanctuary for wildlife under the CHT North ForestDivision at >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76469

Malaria claims 92 people's lives in Bangladesh last year

2009-03-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

65000 others last year in three districts of Bangladesh's southeasternChittagong hill tracts, local newspaper The Daily Star reported onWednesday>more> http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/18/content_10839877.htm

Bamboo, rats and famine: Crisis brewing

2009-03-16T09:25:00.002-07:00

Since 2007, unusually large numbers of rats have been flooding out of theforests of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), causing major suffering andhardship >more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/02/16/news0544.htm

Village courts on family rows in the offing: Ashraful

2009-03-16T09:25:00.001-07:00

Earlier, three teams led by visiting UN coordinator Ajay Chhibber,co-chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission Lord Eric Avebury, andchief of the >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=76644&cid=3

CHT will be developed keeping culture, nature intact: Barua

2009-03-16T09:22:00.002-07:00

Industries minister Dilip Barua has saidthe government will industrialise Chittagong Hill Tracts without affectingits rich ...>more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=76630&cid=3>

CHT accord to be implemented fully

2009-03-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

The Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Dipu Moni yesterday said the governmentwould take necessary measures for full implementation of the ChittagongHill Tracts >more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/02/17/news0583.htm>

Govt needs to tackle CHT food deficit: Commission

2009-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh News 24 hours - Dhaka,Dhaka,BangladeshDhaka, Feb 16 (bdnews24.com) - The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission, aninternational and independent fact-finding mission, has called forgovernment >more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=76560&cid=2

Land commission to resolve CHT problems soon

2009-03-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

The government will form a land commission to resolve land problem issuesfor all aboriginal communities in Chittagong Hill-Tract districts as theownership ...>more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/02/17/news0553.htm

Check graft in CHT rationing

2009-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission yesterday requested the governmentto check corruption of the rationing system in CHT and provide rations tothe ...>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=76193

Govt moves to implement CHT accord fully: Dipu Moni

2009-03-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni today said the present government would initiateall steps to implement the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT) accord fully>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=15034

Displaced Chakma community hit by border fencing work

2009-03-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Aizawl, Feb 14: More than 35000 people, majority of them belonging to theChakma community are facing difficulty in the ongoing fencing along the318-km >more> http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2009-02-14/507534news.html

118 rebels flee Bangladesh camps

2009-03-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

specially Sylhet district and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in themainly hilly region of Bangladesh bordering India's Tripura, Mizoram andMeghalaya ...>more> http://www.zeenews.com/states/2009-02-15/507718news.html

World Prout Assembly: Cultural Rights of Adivasi Peoples

2009-03-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

World Prout Assembly: Cultural Rights of Adivasi Peoples and the ...I will refer to these peoples as Adivasi and include both the "hill"peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the Adivasi and other so-called'tribal" peoples in other parts of the country. Yet, the more visibleaspects of mainstream' ...>more> http://www.worldproutassembly.org/archives/2009/02/cultural_rights_1.html

Mysterious disease claims two dozen lives in Tripura

2009-03-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Expressing the helplessness of the situation, Uttara Chakma, a villagersaid, “We do not get any treatment or medicine from anywhere >more> http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/mysterious-disease-claims-two-dozen-lives-in-tripura_100155067.html

HNLC low on cash, says cadre

2009-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

The 25-year-old woman cadre belonged to the army wing of the HNLC and hadreceived arms training in Chittagong Hill Tracts in 2003 soon after joiningthe ...>more> http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090213/jsp/northeast/story_10528043.jsp

Bangladesh sends troops to destroy poppy plants

2009-03-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

A nearly 25-year-long insurgency in the Hill Tracts ended in a 1997 peacedeal between the Bangladesh government and Shanti Bahini tribal militants>more> http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINDHA42555720090211

Chakma fencing victims not displaced: Mizoram govt

2009-03-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

In Mizoram, over 35000 Chakma tribals are going to be displaced due to theongoing India-Bangladesh border fencing which is being constructed toprevent >more> http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=15710225

Gas, Water, Electricity Crisis in Chittagong

2009-03-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Anyway if we try to assess reality the Hydropower generation may notimprove until there is heavy rainfall in Chittagong Hill Tracts area>more> http://energybangla.com/index.php?mod=article&cat=SomethingtoSay&article=1505

Meningitis claims 165 lives in northeast

2009-03-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

“The three northeastern states have borders with the Chittagong HillTracts (CHT) of Bangladesh where meningococcal meningitis is spreading inan epidemic >more> http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/meningitis-claims-165-lives-in-northeast_100153396.html

Poor facilities turn away tourists from Rangamati

2009-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Rangamati A large number of tourists are ...On contact, Alok Bikash Chakma, an official of BPC told The Daily Star thatall of ...>more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=75158

Chittagong - Bangladesh | UK Asian Blog

2009-03-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Chittagong is one amongst the six administrative divisions that Bangladeshis divided into. It is a very clean and picturesque city, on the foothillsof the Chittagong Hill-Tracts. The River Karnafuli, flows through it andjoins the Bay >more> http://www.ukasian.co.uk/blog/?p=298

CHT councils to be reformed: minister

2009-03-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh News 24 hours - Dhaka,Dhaka,Bangladesh
State minister for Chittagong Hill Tract affairs Dipankar Talukdar said the
government would recast the councils in Khagrachari, Rangamati and
Bandarban .>more> http://bdnews24.com/details.php?id=75893&cid=2

Bangladeshi foreign minister meets with Chinese think tank delegation

2009-03-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

DHAKA, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni discussed with visiting Chinese delegation from Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS) here Sunday on boosting connectivity and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Ministry Director General for the Far East Sudipta Chakma quoted Dipu Moni as saying that China can play a greater role in improving economic ties with Bangladesh through further cooperation in power generation, relocating her sunset industries and developing infrastructure in Bangladesh including new friendship bridges.>more> http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-02/08/content_10782979.htm

23,383 hectares land under Boro cultivation in CHT

2009-03-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

Cultivation of boro is going on in full swing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

Farmers and agriculture officials in the three hill districts are working hard to bring 23,383 hectares of land under boro cultivation this season.

Farmers under the supervision of the Department of agriculture Extension (DAE) in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts has already completed planting of boro seedlings on 16,405 hectares of lands. >more> http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2009/02/07/news0648.htm

No move yet to reopen Rangamati Textile Mill

2009-03-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Rangamati Textile Mill (RTM), the lone industry in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), is closed for several months, leaving hundreds of workers unemployed and causing hardship for them.

The government is being deprived of revenues to the tune of Tk 4 lakh a month while hundreds of workers are living in a pitiable state losing their jobs. They are eagerly waiting for the mill to reopen. >more> http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=74396