Crisis in Chittagong Hill Tracts: Alleged Army Involvement in Mass Attacks on Indigenous People

For Immediate Release

Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)
Headquarters: San Jose, California, USA
On-the-ground Operations: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Details: https://www.hrcbm.org/wp-new/alarming-surge-of-violence-bengali-muslim-settlers-and-army-allegedly-attack-indigenous-communities-in-chittagong-hill-tracts/

San Jose, California / Dhaka, Bangladesh - The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) urgently calls upon the international media, human rights organizations, and global community to address the alarming mass attacks against Indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, specifically in Diginala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. The recent violence, marked by arson, looting, and alleged gunfire targeting Indigenous villagers, has resulted in multiple deaths, severe injuries, and the displacement of hundreds of families, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Details of the Crisis:

On the night of September 19, 2024, coordinated attacks were launched against Indigenous communities by Bengali Muslim settlers, allegedly supported by the Bangladesh Army. Over 100 homes and shops were set ablaze in Diginala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati, displacing hundreds of families and destroying their livelihoods. Eyewitnesses and video evidence reveal continuous gunfire throughout the night, reportedly aimed at Indigenous villagers, causing widespread panic and endangering lives.

Reports suggest that members of the Bangladesh Army were directly involved in firing on Indigenous people during these attacks. Witnesses describe uniformed personnel shooting at villagers rather than providing protection. Videos circulating on social media show what appears to be Army personnel firing at night in areas populated by Indigenous communities, further exacerbating fears among the victims. At least three Indigenous individuals-Junan Chakma, Dhananjay Chakma, and Rubel Tripura-have died from injuries sustained during the attacks, with many others wounded, including those suffering from gunshot wounds.

Background of Minority and Indigenous Issues in Bangladesh:

The Indigenous communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, comprising various ethnic groups such as the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura, have long faced systemic discrimination, land dispossession, and violence. Despite the signing of the CHT Peace Accord in 1997, promises of autonomy and demilitarization have not been fully realized, leaving these communities vulnerable to ongoing land grabs, violence, and human rights abuses.

Minority groups in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, and Indigenous peoples, face a long history of marginalization and targeted violence. These communities are often left unprotected by the state, facing biased legal systems and limited access to justice. The recent attacks are a continuation of a broader pattern of exclusion and aggression against these communities, which suffer frequent land encroachments, religious intolerance, and violent assaults with impunity.

Call to Action:

HRCBM calls on the media, human rights organizations, and international bodies to:

Report and Raise Awareness: Amplify global awareness of the ongoing crisis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through investigative reporting, news coverage, and public campaigns to mobilize international attention.

Demand Accountability: Advocate for an independent and impartial investigation into the attacks, focusing on the alleged involvement of the Bangladesh Army and security forces, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Highlight the Need for Humanitarian Aid: Urge the international community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including food, medical care, and shelter for the displaced Indigenous families.

Support Indigenous Rights: Promote the protection of Indigenous rights in Bangladesh, pressuring the government to prevent further violence and protect these vulnerable communities in accordance with international human rights laws.

The mass attacks on Indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader historical pattern of systemic discrimination and violence against minorities in Bangladesh. HRCBM urges the international community to take immediate action to address this escalating crisis, support the victims, and work towards ensuring justice and safety for the Indigenous communities of Bangladesh.

Dhiman Chowdhury
email: info@hrcbm.org
2200 Eastridge Loop #731192
San Jose, CA 95173

HRCBM is a human rights advocacy organization and an NGO in special consultative status with UN.

This release was published on openPR.