On 22 September 2012 Bangladesh army backed Muslim settlers attacked indigenous Buddhist people in Rangamati. When the indigenous people counter attacked in self defence Bangladesh army took side with the Muslim settlers. 76 indigenous people were injured and numerous indigenous properties were destroyed. Mr Paritosh Chakma (left) Chairman of Babuchara Union Parishad and Mr Arun Kanti Chakma (right) Chairman of Magban Union Parishad.

Bangladesh army torture 8 indigenous PCJSS activists in Bilaichari

On 14 August 2015 around 6:00 pm, Bangladesh army led by Barthali camp commander Subedar Khairuzzaman arrested 8 indigenous PCJSS activists from Barthali of Bilaichari, Rangamati district. Among the detainees were vice president of Bilaichari branch of PCJSS Mr. Chandra Lal Chakma (Rahul).

The indigenous people were on their way to Barthali village to join the Union Council election campaign. The election for the Barthali Union Council was scheduled to be held on 25 August 2015. The election campaign began on 11 August 2015.

Bangladesh army of Barthali camp detained 8 indigenous PCJSS activists in the camp for the whole night. Instead of handing over to Bilaichari police station, Bangladesh army handed them over to the Ruma police station of Bandarban district on 15 August. On 16 August Ruma police handed over 8 indigenous PCJSS activists to Shuva Mangal Chakma, Chairman of Bilaichari Upazila Coucnil.

On 17 August, except a person, the other 7 persons including Chandra Lal Chakma were returning to Bilaichari along with Mr. Atu Mong Marma the candidate of Barthali Union Council election. The Barthali army camp commander Subedar Khairuzzaman again arrested the said 7 indigenous PCJSS activists. When Atu Mong Marma introduced them as his election workers and argued for their release, Bangladesh army threatened him and threw him out of the camp.

On 18 August 2015, the army personnel led by Subedar Khairuzzaman set out for Ruma subdistrict with the 7 indigenous detainees. On the way, the army personnel inflicted physical torture and caused serious injuries to 4 indigenous activists. The army personnel commanded by Subedar Khairuzzaman handed the detainees over to Ruma police station at around 5:00 pm on that day. But as no case was filed on specific allegation against the detainees, the police released them within a short while. The victims were-

1. Chandra Lal Chakma (Rahul), vice president of Bilaichari branch of PCJSS
2. Jyotimoy Chakma, Dhapyachari, Bilaichari union
3. Uttam Chakma, Digalchari, Bilaichari union
4. Shuvamoy Chakma, Amtali, Bilaichari union
5. Bankim Chandra Tanchangya, Tarachari, Farua union
6. Biramoy Chakma, Bhalachari, Kengrachari union
7. Sunil Tanchangya, Kutubdiya, Bilaichari union
8. Dipayan Chakma, Kerongchari, Kengrachari union

2 persons Jyotimoy Chakma and Uttam Chakma were admitted to Bandarban Sadar Hospital as they were critically injured due to torture by Bangladesh army led by Subedar Khairuzzaman.

Sources: