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.