OVERALL SITUATION IN CHT

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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.

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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.”

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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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)