624 citizens call for restoring communal harmony, ending violence in CHT 

A total of 624 citizens have issued a statement in the wake of recent clashes in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, calling for restoring communal harmony in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by putting an end to the ongoing violence and unrest.

In a statement from The Network for Democratic Bangladesh (Europe) on Saturday (21 September), they underscored the need for taking immediate steps to restore communal harmony between Bangalis and the ethnic groups living in the CHT.

“The recent violence is a continuation of the ongoing communal conflict fueled by various propaganda. Harmony among the Bangalis and the ethnic groups is absolutely necessary to build a society of peace and mutual respect and coexistence as a whole,” reads the statement.

Violent clashes erupted in the hill districts of Khagrachari and Rangamati, leaving four people dead and over 50 injured.

The incidents, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, led to heightened tensions and heavy law enforcement deployment in both regions. Amid deteriorating situation, local administrations imposed Section 144 in the two districts. 

In Khagrachari, clashes on Thursday night claimed the lives of three people—Junan Chakma, 20, Dhananjay Chakma, 50, and Rubel, 30. Nine others were injured.

Tensions escalated in Rangamati, a district neighbouring the troubled Khagrachari region, as violent clashes and counter-clashes have left one person dead and over fifty injured.

“There is no constitutional recognition of their nationality, and their basic human rights have not been guaranteed. The brutal events of 19-20 September are a clear example of the state-sponsored ethnic supremacy going on in the CHT.”

According to a report by Amnesty International, since 7 April this year, more than 100 people have been arbitrarily arrested on suspicion of terrorism in CHT. Despite the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government’s ouster on 5 August, the oppression of people in the hills has not yet stopped through the Bangladesh state, the statement said.

“The indigenous people of Bangladesh continue to struggle for equal rights as citizens of the state and equal participation in all socio-economic levels. According to articles 27 and 32 of the constitution, the equal rights of all citizens of the state and the right to live without any discrimination are on paper. Yet, till date, the ethnic community have not received the recognition and dignity of their heritage, culture, language and identity.”

“Only 13,000 square kilometres of hills have six cantonments and numerous army camps. On one hand, there is a military rule in the mountains, and on the other, racial discrimination, oppression and disenfranchisement imposed by illegal ‘settlers’. Due to the combined aggression posed by these issues, the ethnic community remains in crisis to this day.”

The citizens, in the statement, demanded urgent measures from the government to stop and prevent communal violence.

They called for an impartial and fair investigation into the recent violence and prompt legal action against those responsible. 

“Aggrieved and threatened indigenous communities must be provided with full protection and assistance and proper medical treatment must be ensured for the injured.”

They also urged the government to ensure constitutional recognition of the ethnic identity of the people in the CHT as well as due recognition and dignity of their language, tradition and culture. The land rights of the indigenous peoples must also be ensured.

“Ensuring that all communities in Bangladesh, regardless of caste and religion, feel safe and can live with self-respect is crucial to safeguarding our national unity and harmony. We expect swift action from the interim government. 

“At the same time, we call for initiatives that encourage dialogue and communication between the Bangalis and the different ethnic groups of the country with a view to strengthening a united and peaceful civil and social base,” the citizens said.

Among the signatories are journalists, students, doctors, expats, businessmen, artists and social advocates.