By- Kapaeeng Foundation
New Age, 22 December 2009
Staff Correspondent
A visiting Japanese parliamentarian, Naoto Sakaguchi, on Monday urged the government to declare a roadmap for implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts peace accord singed in 1997.
‘The government should also earmark funds through a block allotment to implement the treaty,’ the member of the Japanese House of Representatives told reporters after a three-day tour of the Hill Tracts.
He suggested that the government should prioritise land dispute issue to implement the accord, which was signed after more than two decades of armed insurgency in the hilly region.
Ain O Salish Kendra executive director Sultana Kamal, deputy head of Information and Cultural Division of Japanese Embassy Ken Komine and CHT Commission coordinator Hana Shams Ahmed, among others, were present at the briefing held at the Kendra office at Lalmatia in the city.
Sakaguchi, a leader of Democratic Party of Japan, also said that his government would provide assistance in implementing the CHT accord if the Bangladesh government needs help from them.
Emphasising on the sustainable tourism, he said Japanese government is ready to support sustainable tourism as it would generate employment in the country.
However, sustainable tourism is an industry committed to leave a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income and employment for the local people.
The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development is a positive experience for local people, tourism companies, and tourists themselves. But sustainable tourism is not the same as ‘eco-tourism’.
Naoto Sakaguchi, also a member of foreign affairs committee of the Japanese House, also emphasized the need for industrialization of the CHT, saying, ‘Industrialization should be given priority along with agriculture to boost the economic condition of the CHT.’
The area of Chittagong Hill Tracts, comprising the three hilly districts of Rrangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, is about 13,184 sq kms, which is approximately one-tenth of the total area of Bangladesh.
The CHT is a distinct region in terms of its ethnic, cultural and environmental diversity compared to the rest of Bangladesh.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tourism Development in violation of CHT Accord
By -PCJSS
On 23 December 2009 in a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry undertook decision to promote tourism industry in CHT. The meeting was held at CHT Development Board conference in Rangamati with Committee Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed in chair. The meeting was attended by members of the parliamentary standing committee, namely, planning minister Air Vice Martial (rtd) A K Khandakar, Md. Azizul Haque Chowdhury MP, Hamida Banu MP, Nawab Ali Abbas Khan and Shamsul Islam. Besides, secretary of planning ministry Habibullah Majumdar, secretary of CHT affairs ministry Masud Ahma, chairman of Tourism Corporation Hemayet Uddin Abdul Malek, deputy director of UNDP-CHTDF Prasenjit Chakma and Orshowja Chakma.
As part of the tourism development in CHT, the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry decided to build road along the bank of Kaptai Lake. The road will be connected with Bandarban, Khagrachari and Chittagong districts. Decision was also taken to set up cable car, zoo and recreation centre for children along the road side.
It is mentionable that as per CHT Accord, the subject of ‘local tourism’ was vested with the three Hill District Councils (HDCs). As apex body of special administrative arrangement for CHT region, the CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) has the right to coordinate and supervise the subjects.
However, the subject of local tourism is yet to be transferred to HDCs. The parliamentary standing committee did not discuss to transfer subject to the HDCs. Moreover, the parliamentary standing committee undertook this decision without having consultation with HDCs and CHTRC. Even, representatives of these institutions were not invited in the meeting. Hence the decision of development of tourism in CHT is direct violation of CHT Accord. Though present government has been reiterating its commitment to implement CHT Accord fully, however, no initiative for implementation of main issues of the CHT Accord except reconstitution of few committees has been undertaken during the tenure of last one year.
It is also learnt that upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Bandarban sadar upazila (sub-district) Mr. Anupam Barua set up tourist centre at Kana Para area under Bandarban upazila by occupying land of indigenous people. A connecting road is also being constructed by the food for work project.
The owners of this land, namely, Mr. Mong Nue Prue Marma, Mr. Lal Lung Ruyal Bawm and Mr. Lal Pian Than Bawm contacted with UNO and objected against the construction of tourist centre on their land. However, UNO rejected their claims and filed case against them with Bandanban police station.
The owners of land submitted memorandum to state minister of CHT affairs ministry Mr. Dipankar Talukdar seeking justice and security. But no action has been taken against it so far.
On 23 December 2009 in a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry undertook decision to promote tourism industry in CHT. The meeting was held at CHT Development Board conference in Rangamati with Committee Chairman Col (retd) Oli Ahmed in chair. The meeting was attended by members of the parliamentary standing committee, namely, planning minister Air Vice Martial (rtd) A K Khandakar, Md. Azizul Haque Chowdhury MP, Hamida Banu MP, Nawab Ali Abbas Khan and Shamsul Islam. Besides, secretary of planning ministry Habibullah Majumdar, secretary of CHT affairs ministry Masud Ahma, chairman of Tourism Corporation Hemayet Uddin Abdul Malek, deputy director of UNDP-CHTDF Prasenjit Chakma and Orshowja Chakma.
As part of the tourism development in CHT, the parliamentary standing committee on planning ministry decided to build road along the bank of Kaptai Lake. The road will be connected with Bandarban, Khagrachari and Chittagong districts. Decision was also taken to set up cable car, zoo and recreation centre for children along the road side.
It is mentionable that as per CHT Accord, the subject of ‘local tourism’ was vested with the three Hill District Councils (HDCs). As apex body of special administrative arrangement for CHT region, the CHT Regional Council (CHTRC) has the right to coordinate and supervise the subjects.
However, the subject of local tourism is yet to be transferred to HDCs. The parliamentary standing committee did not discuss to transfer subject to the HDCs. Moreover, the parliamentary standing committee undertook this decision without having consultation with HDCs and CHTRC. Even, representatives of these institutions were not invited in the meeting. Hence the decision of development of tourism in CHT is direct violation of CHT Accord. Though present government has been reiterating its commitment to implement CHT Accord fully, however, no initiative for implementation of main issues of the CHT Accord except reconstitution of few committees has been undertaken during the tenure of last one year.
It is also learnt that upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Bandarban sadar upazila (sub-district) Mr. Anupam Barua set up tourist centre at Kana Para area under Bandarban upazila by occupying land of indigenous people. A connecting road is also being constructed by the food for work project.
The owners of this land, namely, Mr. Mong Nue Prue Marma, Mr. Lal Lung Ruyal Bawm and Mr. Lal Pian Than Bawm contacted with UNO and objected against the construction of tourist centre on their land. However, UNO rejected their claims and filed case against them with Bandanban police station.
The owners of land submitted memorandum to state minister of CHT affairs ministry Mr. Dipankar Talukdar seeking justice and security. But no action has been taken against it so far.
National Roundtable on ILO Convention 169 and Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament held in Dhaka
By-Kapaeeng Foundation
On 20 December 2009 a national roundtable on ‘ILO Convention 169’ and ‘Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’ was organized by ILO and RDC at Spectra Conventional Centre, Gulshan, Dhaka. The objective of the roundtable was to create awareness on ILO C169 and advocate Parliamentary role on Indigenous Peoples issues.
The first session of the roundtable with theme “Ratification of ILO C169: Way Forward” had started at 10 o’clock chaired by Prof. H K S Arefin. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of the CHT Affairs Ministry was present as Chief Guest and Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary In-charge of CHT Affairs Ministry was present as special guest at the first session. Country Director of ILO Ms Panudda Boonpala had delivered welcome speech.
Mr. Coen Kompier, Senior Labour Standard Specialist, ILO Delhi office had presented the overview of ILO 169. Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Member of CHT Regional Council and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum spoke as panel discussant.
State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukdar reiterated government commitment to implement the CHT Accord. He expressed his optimism that present government would ratify the ILO Convention 169 as most of the rights contained in the ILO 169 were recognized by the CHT Accord. He expressed his support to form a parliamentarian caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that CHT Affairs Ministry already sent a letter to correct the derogatory matters regarding indigenous peoples from textbooks. He also informed that the government had already started the process of forming a separate land commission to settle the land disputes of the plain land indigenous people.
The Second Session with theme “Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh National Parliament” was held at 01 o’clock chaired by Dr. Harun-Ur-Rashid, Pro Vice Chancellor and moderated by Mr. Hasanul Haque Inu, MP. Prof. Mesbah Kamal had presented the Key note Paper on `Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’,
Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura MP, Chairman, Task Force for Rehabilitation of Jumma Refugee and IPD’s was present as Chief Guest at the second session and Mr. Shawkat Momen Shahjahan MP from Tangail, Ms Rubi Rahman MP, Rawshan Jahan MP and Shanaullah Lovelu were present as special guest.
Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura said that it was good initiative to form a parliamentary caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that Prime Minister would support if she was convinced the right things. He was optimistic to implement the CHT Accord by the present government within rest 4 year tenure. However, he expressed his concerns over anti-accord activities of extreme nationalist and communal groups in the banner of Sama Odhikar Andolon.
MPs who attended roundtable as special guest supported the initiative of ILO and RDC to form a parliamentary caucus. They expressed their commitment to work for the causes of indigenous peoples.
Finally national roundtable formed a committee with following Parliament Members to works for forming a ‘Parliament CAUCUS for indigenous peoples’ causes’ within next parliament session-
(a) 5 MPs of indigenous peoples;
(b) 3 MPs from Awami League (namely Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, Rubi Rahaman and Rawshan Jahan;
(c) 2 MPs from Workers’ Party (Rashed Khan Menon and Fazle Hossain Badshah;
(d) 1 MP from Jatiya Samastantrik Dal (Hasanul Haque Inu).
The roundtable also formed a 3-member technical support committee with Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Mr. Mesbah Kamal and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong.
The roundtable was ended with vote of thanks by Abhilash Tripura, National Coordinator, Promotion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of ILO Dhaka office.
On 20 December 2009 a national roundtable on ‘ILO Convention 169’ and ‘Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’ was organized by ILO and RDC at Spectra Conventional Centre, Gulshan, Dhaka. The objective of the roundtable was to create awareness on ILO C169 and advocate Parliamentary role on Indigenous Peoples issues.
The first session of the roundtable with theme “Ratification of ILO C169: Way Forward” had started at 10 o’clock chaired by Prof. H K S Arefin. Mr. Dipankar Talukdar, State Minister of the CHT Affairs Ministry was present as Chief Guest and Mr. Masud Ahmed, Secretary In-charge of CHT Affairs Ministry was present as special guest at the first session. Country Director of ILO Ms Panudda Boonpala had delivered welcome speech.
Mr. Coen Kompier, Senior Labour Standard Specialist, ILO Delhi office had presented the overview of ILO 169. Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Member of CHT Regional Council and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum spoke as panel discussant.
State Minister for CHT Affairs Dipankar Talukdar reiterated government commitment to implement the CHT Accord. He expressed his optimism that present government would ratify the ILO Convention 169 as most of the rights contained in the ILO 169 were recognized by the CHT Accord. He expressed his support to form a parliamentarian caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that CHT Affairs Ministry already sent a letter to correct the derogatory matters regarding indigenous peoples from textbooks. He also informed that the government had already started the process of forming a separate land commission to settle the land disputes of the plain land indigenous people.
The Second Session with theme “Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh National Parliament” was held at 01 o’clock chaired by Dr. Harun-Ur-Rashid, Pro Vice Chancellor and moderated by Mr. Hasanul Haque Inu, MP. Prof. Mesbah Kamal had presented the Key note Paper on `Indigenous Peoples and the Bangladesh Parliament’,
Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura MP, Chairman, Task Force for Rehabilitation of Jumma Refugee and IPD’s was present as Chief Guest at the second session and Mr. Shawkat Momen Shahjahan MP from Tangail, Ms Rubi Rahman MP, Rawshan Jahan MP and Shanaullah Lovelu were present as special guest.
Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura said that it was good initiative to form a parliamentary caucus for indigenous peoples’ causes. He said that Prime Minister would support if she was convinced the right things. He was optimistic to implement the CHT Accord by the present government within rest 4 year tenure. However, he expressed his concerns over anti-accord activities of extreme nationalist and communal groups in the banner of Sama Odhikar Andolon.
MPs who attended roundtable as special guest supported the initiative of ILO and RDC to form a parliamentary caucus. They expressed their commitment to work for the causes of indigenous peoples.
Finally national roundtable formed a committee with following Parliament Members to works for forming a ‘Parliament CAUCUS for indigenous peoples’ causes’ within next parliament session-
(a) 5 MPs of indigenous peoples;
(b) 3 MPs from Awami League (namely Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, Rubi Rahaman and Rawshan Jahan;
(c) 2 MPs from Workers’ Party (Rashed Khan Menon and Fazle Hossain Badshah;
(d) 1 MP from Jatiya Samastantrik Dal (Hasanul Haque Inu).
The roundtable also formed a 3-member technical support committee with Mr. Goutam Kumar Chakma, Mr. Mesbah Kamal and Mr. Sanjeeb Drong.
The roundtable was ended with vote of thanks by Abhilash Tripura, National Coordinator, Promotion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples of ILO Dhaka office.
Climate change victims’ settlement
By-http://www.newagebd.com/2009/dec/21/fb.html
I wholeheartedly agree with Aongay Marma’s letter on the subject (December 19). The victims of climate change should not be settled in the CHT where the indigenous people are already under immense pressure for survival. The government must negotiate with sparsely populated countries like Australia, Canada and also with Nepal and Bhutan closer to home to take these settlers as well as other countries in South America. The cost of transportation and settlement and initial settling in period should be fully met from the climate change fund, with opportunities for schooling, retraining, etc. as may be necessary.
When the last mini Ice Age collapsed about 12000 years ago, the sea level rose by about 15 metres; (and amongst other things) creating the modern Black Sea and separating Great Britain from Europe. The people who dwelt at the time at the bottom of the Black Sea are the ones who discovered farming and grain production (as against mere nomads of small tribes) to sustain manifold increase in population and establishment of towns and cities and fixed abodes. When their world was drowned out (perhaps this was Atlantis), they migrated with their tools, equipment and knowledge to unpopulated parts of Europe starting with parts of modern Turkey and the Balkans and it is their descendants who now populate Europe.
So climate change and population migration to sparsely populated areas have happened before on earth (perhaps many times) and this has to be taken on board now in a planned global scale without putting pressure on communities who are already under pressure. With good will, adequate funding and spirit of adaptation this could be accomplished.
Engineer Shafi Ahmed
London, UK
I wholeheartedly agree with Aongay Marma’s letter on the subject (December 19). The victims of climate change should not be settled in the CHT where the indigenous people are already under immense pressure for survival. The government must negotiate with sparsely populated countries like Australia, Canada and also with Nepal and Bhutan closer to home to take these settlers as well as other countries in South America. The cost of transportation and settlement and initial settling in period should be fully met from the climate change fund, with opportunities for schooling, retraining, etc. as may be necessary.
When the last mini Ice Age collapsed about 12000 years ago, the sea level rose by about 15 metres; (and amongst other things) creating the modern Black Sea and separating Great Britain from Europe. The people who dwelt at the time at the bottom of the Black Sea are the ones who discovered farming and grain production (as against mere nomads of small tribes) to sustain manifold increase in population and establishment of towns and cities and fixed abodes. When their world was drowned out (perhaps this was Atlantis), they migrated with their tools, equipment and knowledge to unpopulated parts of Europe starting with parts of modern Turkey and the Balkans and it is their descendants who now populate Europe.
So climate change and population migration to sparsely populated areas have happened before on earth (perhaps many times) and this has to be taken on board now in a planned global scale without putting pressure on communities who are already under pressure. With good will, adequate funding and spirit of adaptation this could be accomplished.
Engineer Shafi Ahmed
London, UK
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Chakma woman attempted to rape by an army in Nanyachar
By Kapaeeng Foundation
Introduction
On 8 November 2009 an army from Ghilachari army camp under Nanyachar army zone of 1 Bir Bengal allegedly attempted to rape a Chakma woman named Ms. Jamuna Chakma (21) w/o Shyamal Kanti Chakma of Krishnamachara village of Ghilachari union under Naniachar upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. The culprit was identified as Md. Ziaul. Later local people observed road blockade programme protesting against the incident. During the road blockade programme, agitated people allegedly hit and broke the glasses of an army pick-up. On the contrary, army personnel beat the protesters with stick and firewood leaving some women and men seriously injured.
Beginning of the incident
On that day around 3:00 pm Ms. Jamuna Chakma went to nearby well to bring water. At that time, army person Md. Ziaul also went there from their nearby sentry post in name of bringing drinking water. When he found Ms. Jamuna Chakma alone, he tried to grab her from behind and attempted to rape. But Ms. Jamuna Chakma could narrowly run away and reach nearby turmeric and ginger field where some Jumma villagers were working.
No sooner of the incident, husband of Ms. Jamuna Chakma along with neighboring villagers went to the Ghilachari camp and put objection against Md Ziaul. The camp authority, making eye-watch punishment to the culprit, tried to terminate the matter by offering some money to husband of Ms. Jamuna.
Immediate protest
But the local people and the victim’s husband did not agree on the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority. That’s why, soon after hearing the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority, the local people in participation of a huge number of women brought out a procession protesting the incident.
At one stage, on that day around 5:00 pm Lt. Colonel Md. Mushfikur Rahaman, Commander of Nanyachar army zone visited the spot and gave assurance of appropriate punishment of the actual criminal to the people demonstrating.
Demonstration continues, demands to the upazila leaders visiting the spot
On 9 November 2009, the local people again brought out a procession at Ghilachari area along the Rangamati-Khagrachari road. At that time, Chairman of Nanyachar upazila council Mr. Pritimoy Chakma, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Nanyachar upazila Md Jahirul Islam, Chairman of Nanyachar union Mr. Panchanon Chakma, Chairman of Burighat union Mr. Pranati Ranjan Chakma and Chairman of Ghilachari union Mr. Mithu Chakma council visited the spot and at one stage, they were surrounded by the demonstrators. They were compelled by the demonstrators to give undertaking to fulfill the following demands:
(1) to punish the army involved with this incident without any delay;
(2) to withdraw Ghilachari army camp;
(3) to ensure security of life of the Jumma villagers;
(4) to stop harassment and torture on women;
Investigation Committee formed
On 12 November 2009 an Investigation Committee was formed in initiative of upazila chairman and upazila executive officer. The committee is as follows:
(1) Convener- Kumentu Chakma, vice chairman of Nanyachar upazila, (2) Member- Md. Rafique, S I of Nanyachar police station, (3) Member- Reni Chakma, women affairs officer of Nanyachar upazila, (4) Member- Mithu Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (5) Member- Babul Karmakar, representative of Awami League of Nanyachar upazila.
The Investigation Committee has not yet published any report.
Army surrounded local leaders’ and villagers’ houses
On 12 November 2009 a group of army from Ghilachari camp conducted operation at Ghilachari area. During the operation, army surrounded the houses of (1) Pulak Chakma, s/o Bandajya Chakma, member of No. 2 Ward of Ghilachari union council and (2) Ananta Bikash Chakma, s/o Jersen Chakma of Ghilachari village of Ghilachari union.
Again, on 13 November 2009 army encircled the houses of (1) Mithu Chakma, s/o Sukra Kumar Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (2) Amar Jiban Chakma, s/o Rabindra Nath Chakma, ex-chairman of Ghilachari union council and (3) Jogendra Chakma, s/o Mohan Banshi Chakma, member of No. 7 Ward of Ghilachari union council.
Again procession, hit on army pickup (car) and army attack on villagers
On 17 November 2009, the villagers again brought out a procession Ghilachari area along Khagrachari-Rangamati road. At one stage, protesters broke the front glass of a pickup of army when an army pickup was trying to overtake the procession and women protesters hit the army personnel with their wearing cloth ‘Pinon’. On the contrary, army also beat the demonstrators. In this brutal attack, the following persons were seriously injured:
(1) Ms. Jhinu Chakma (25) w/o Kalaboa Chakma, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(2) Ms. Maya Chakma (15) d/o Buddha Kumar Chakma, student of class 9 of Mahaprum high school, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(3) Ms. Chadra Mela Chakma (36) w/o Suresh Kumar Chakma (Barpeda), village- Kutukchari Nich Para of Kutukchari union,
(4) Mr. Anil Chakma (42) s/o Nandi Kumar Chakma, village- Pakujyachari of Mahalchari upazila of Khagrachari district,
(5) Ms. Kalabi Chakma (45) w/o Rajmoni Chakma, village- Kutukchari Badalama chara of Kutukchari union.
Among them, the first 4 persons were got admitted to Rangamati general hospital with serious injury.
--
Introduction
On 8 November 2009 an army from Ghilachari army camp under Nanyachar army zone of 1 Bir Bengal allegedly attempted to rape a Chakma woman named Ms. Jamuna Chakma (21) w/o Shyamal Kanti Chakma of Krishnamachara village of Ghilachari union under Naniachar upazila (sub-district) in Rangamati district. The culprit was identified as Md. Ziaul. Later local people observed road blockade programme protesting against the incident. During the road blockade programme, agitated people allegedly hit and broke the glasses of an army pick-up. On the contrary, army personnel beat the protesters with stick and firewood leaving some women and men seriously injured.
Beginning of the incident
On that day around 3:00 pm Ms. Jamuna Chakma went to nearby well to bring water. At that time, army person Md. Ziaul also went there from their nearby sentry post in name of bringing drinking water. When he found Ms. Jamuna Chakma alone, he tried to grab her from behind and attempted to rape. But Ms. Jamuna Chakma could narrowly run away and reach nearby turmeric and ginger field where some Jumma villagers were working.
No sooner of the incident, husband of Ms. Jamuna Chakma along with neighboring villagers went to the Ghilachari camp and put objection against Md Ziaul. The camp authority, making eye-watch punishment to the culprit, tried to terminate the matter by offering some money to husband of Ms. Jamuna.
Immediate protest
But the local people and the victim’s husband did not agree on the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority. That’s why, soon after hearing the verdict of the Ghilachari camp authority, the local people in participation of a huge number of women brought out a procession protesting the incident.
At one stage, on that day around 5:00 pm Lt. Colonel Md. Mushfikur Rahaman, Commander of Nanyachar army zone visited the spot and gave assurance of appropriate punishment of the actual criminal to the people demonstrating.
Demonstration continues, demands to the upazila leaders visiting the spot
On 9 November 2009, the local people again brought out a procession at Ghilachari area along the Rangamati-Khagrachari road. At that time, Chairman of Nanyachar upazila council Mr. Pritimoy Chakma, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Nanyachar upazila Md Jahirul Islam, Chairman of Nanyachar union Mr. Panchanon Chakma, Chairman of Burighat union Mr. Pranati Ranjan Chakma and Chairman of Ghilachari union Mr. Mithu Chakma council visited the spot and at one stage, they were surrounded by the demonstrators. They were compelled by the demonstrators to give undertaking to fulfill the following demands:
(1) to punish the army involved with this incident without any delay;
(2) to withdraw Ghilachari army camp;
(3) to ensure security of life of the Jumma villagers;
(4) to stop harassment and torture on women;
Investigation Committee formed
On 12 November 2009 an Investigation Committee was formed in initiative of upazila chairman and upazila executive officer. The committee is as follows:
(1) Convener- Kumentu Chakma, vice chairman of Nanyachar upazila, (2) Member- Md. Rafique, S I of Nanyachar police station, (3) Member- Reni Chakma, women affairs officer of Nanyachar upazila, (4) Member- Mithu Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (5) Member- Babul Karmakar, representative of Awami League of Nanyachar upazila.
The Investigation Committee has not yet published any report.
Army surrounded local leaders’ and villagers’ houses
On 12 November 2009 a group of army from Ghilachari camp conducted operation at Ghilachari area. During the operation, army surrounded the houses of (1) Pulak Chakma, s/o Bandajya Chakma, member of No. 2 Ward of Ghilachari union council and (2) Ananta Bikash Chakma, s/o Jersen Chakma of Ghilachari village of Ghilachari union.
Again, on 13 November 2009 army encircled the houses of (1) Mithu Chakma, s/o Sukra Kumar Chakma, chairman of No. 4 Ghilachari union council, (2) Amar Jiban Chakma, s/o Rabindra Nath Chakma, ex-chairman of Ghilachari union council and (3) Jogendra Chakma, s/o Mohan Banshi Chakma, member of No. 7 Ward of Ghilachari union council.
Again procession, hit on army pickup (car) and army attack on villagers
On 17 November 2009, the villagers again brought out a procession Ghilachari area along Khagrachari-Rangamati road. At one stage, protesters broke the front glass of a pickup of army when an army pickup was trying to overtake the procession and women protesters hit the army personnel with their wearing cloth ‘Pinon’. On the contrary, army also beat the demonstrators. In this brutal attack, the following persons were seriously injured:
(1) Ms. Jhinu Chakma (25) w/o Kalaboa Chakma, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(2) Ms. Maya Chakma (15) d/o Buddha Kumar Chakma, student of class 9 of Mahaprum high school, village- Kabukchari Mukh,
(3) Ms. Chadra Mela Chakma (36) w/o Suresh Kumar Chakma (Barpeda), village- Kutukchari Nich Para of Kutukchari union,
(4) Mr. Anil Chakma (42) s/o Nandi Kumar Chakma, village- Pakujyachari of Mahalchari upazila of Khagrachari district,
(5) Ms. Kalabi Chakma (45) w/o Rajmoni Chakma, village- Kutukchari Badalama chara of Kutukchari union.
Among them, the first 4 persons were got admitted to Rangamati general hospital with serious injury.
--
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Regional Consultation on ILO Conventions and IPs Issues held in Bandarban
Kapaeeng Foundation
On 7 November 2009 Regional Consultation on ILO Conventions No.107 and 169 and Indigenous Peoples Issues in Bangladesh was held Bandarban Hill District Council Auditorium in Bandarban district.
The regional consultation was jointly organised by Kapaeeng Foundation and International Labour Organisation (ILO). Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman of CHT Regional Council was present as chief guest at the inaugural session of the consultation while Raja Devasish Roy, Circle Chief of Chakma Circle presided over the session. Besides, Member of Bandarban Hill District Council Mr. Aung Prue Mro and representative of Circle Chief of Bohmong Circle Mr. Chaw Hla Prue Jimy were present at the inaugural session as special guest. Director of ILO Dhaka office Ms. Panudda Boonpala delivered welcome speech while A! ssistant General Secretary of Kapaeeng Foundation Mr. Pallab Chakma conducted the session.
Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma in his speech said that several rights of the ILO Convention no. 107 and 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples were recognised in the CHT Accord. However, he added that though 12 years after the signing of the Accord have passed, the main provisions of the Accord remain either unimplemented or partially implemented. He urged CHT leadership including traditional and political leaders to play active role to implement the Accord and ILO convention for the sake of indigenous peoples. He also emphasised on good relation between and effective coordination of CHT Regional Council and three Hill District Councils.
Ms. Panudda Boonpala said that ILO would work for vocational training and capacity building of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. He believed that government of Bangladesh would consider for ratification of ILO Convention 169.
Mr. Aung Prue Mro demanded to declare Chimbuk hilly range under Bandarban district as Mro region. Mro community is one of the smallest ethnic groups in CHT.
The inaugural session was followed by three working sessions. First session focused on aims and objective of ILO activities in Bangladesh, overview of PRO 169 activities in Bangladesh and ILO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (Convention 107, 169 and 111). Challenges in the implementation of CHT Accord and ways forward was discussed at the second session. Third session discussed on Land Rights and Land Disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Speakers said that the government of Bangladesh should ratify ILO convention on 169 as it is progressive version of ILO convention 107 which was ratified by Bangladesh in 1972. They urged government to recognise the customary land rights of indigenous peoples immediately as per ILO convention 107 and 169. They raised voice to resolve the land disputes as per CHT Accord and to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHT Regional Council for the same. Speakers expressed hopes that Awami League-led present grand alliance government would come forward to implement ! the Accord as per her election commitment.
Around 80 participants from three hill districts of CHT from category of traditional leaders, public representatives, teachers, lawyers, returnee refugees, women rights activists, development workers, media activists, youths etc participated in the consultation. Among others, South Asia Coordinator of Pro 169 of ILO New Delhi Office Ms. Sara Webster, Member of the CHT Regional Council Mr. K S Mong, Ms. Unue Prue Chowdhury and Mr. Loyal Devid Bawn, Member of Rangamati HDC Mr. Abhilash Tanchangya, former Chairman of Rangamati HDC Goutam Dewan, Sanjeeb Drong and Shaktipada Tripura of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma of PCJSS, National Coordinator on Promotion of the Rights of IPs from ILO Dhaka office Mr. Abhilash Tripura, eminent academic Prof Mong Sa Nu at el attended the consultation. The consultation was followed by evening cultural programme.
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On 7 November 2009 Regional Consultation on ILO Conventions No.107 and 169 and Indigenous Peoples Issues in Bangladesh was held Bandarban Hill District Council Auditorium in Bandarban district.
The regional consultation was jointly organised by Kapaeeng Foundation and International Labour Organisation (ILO). Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman of CHT Regional Council was present as chief guest at the inaugural session of the consultation while Raja Devasish Roy, Circle Chief of Chakma Circle presided over the session. Besides, Member of Bandarban Hill District Council Mr. Aung Prue Mro and representative of Circle Chief of Bohmong Circle Mr. Chaw Hla Prue Jimy were present at the inaugural session as special guest. Director of ILO Dhaka office Ms. Panudda Boonpala delivered welcome speech while A! ssistant General Secretary of Kapaeeng Foundation Mr. Pallab Chakma conducted the session.
Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma in his speech said that several rights of the ILO Convention no. 107 and 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples were recognised in the CHT Accord. However, he added that though 12 years after the signing of the Accord have passed, the main provisions of the Accord remain either unimplemented or partially implemented. He urged CHT leadership including traditional and political leaders to play active role to implement the Accord and ILO convention for the sake of indigenous peoples. He also emphasised on good relation between and effective coordination of CHT Regional Council and three Hill District Councils.
Ms. Panudda Boonpala said that ILO would work for vocational training and capacity building of indigenous peoples in Bangladesh. He believed that government of Bangladesh would consider for ratification of ILO Convention 169.
Mr. Aung Prue Mro demanded to declare Chimbuk hilly range under Bandarban district as Mro region. Mro community is one of the smallest ethnic groups in CHT.
The inaugural session was followed by three working sessions. First session focused on aims and objective of ILO activities in Bangladesh, overview of PRO 169 activities in Bangladesh and ILO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (Convention 107, 169 and 111). Challenges in the implementation of CHT Accord and ways forward was discussed at the second session. Third session discussed on Land Rights and Land Disputes in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Speakers said that the government of Bangladesh should ratify ILO convention on 169 as it is progressive version of ILO convention 107 which was ratified by Bangladesh in 1972. They urged government to recognise the customary land rights of indigenous peoples immediately as per ILO convention 107 and 169. They raised voice to resolve the land disputes as per CHT Accord and to amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Act 2001 as per recommendations of CHT Regional Council for the same. Speakers expressed hopes that Awami League-led present grand alliance government would come forward to implement ! the Accord as per her election commitment.
Around 80 participants from three hill districts of CHT from category of traditional leaders, public representatives, teachers, lawyers, returnee refugees, women rights activists, development workers, media activists, youths etc participated in the consultation. Among others, South Asia Coordinator of Pro 169 of ILO New Delhi Office Ms. Sara Webster, Member of the CHT Regional Council Mr. K S Mong, Ms. Unue Prue Chowdhury and Mr. Loyal Devid Bawn, Member of Rangamati HDC Mr. Abhilash Tanchangya, former Chairman of Rangamati HDC Goutam Dewan, Sanjeeb Drong and Shaktipada Tripura of Bangladesh Indigenous Peoples Forum, Mr. Mangal Kumar Chakma of PCJSS, National Coordinator on Promotion of the Rights of IPs from ILO Dhaka office Mr. Abhilash Tripura, eminent academic Prof Mong Sa Nu at el attended the consultation. The consultation was followed by evening cultural programme.
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