On 30 May 2012 Bangladesh police and Muslim settlers raided indigenous Buddhist villages of Howaikyong area under Teknaf in Cox’s Bazaar. In this attack 12 Chakma villagers were severely wounded. 7 Chakma villagers including 4 minors were arrested without warrant. One pregnant woman prematurely gave birth to a baby due to torture and several women were sexually harassed.

Bengali settlers intimidate indigenous Chakma Buddhists in Dighinala

Mr. Shashi Mohan Chakma, the Chairman of the Chotomerung Union Council, Dighinala defeated the Muslim settler candiate in the Union Council election. Bangladesh army conspired with the Muslim settlers to eliminate him. In accordance with their plan, the Muslim settlers falsely alleged that the indigenous people stole 8 cows and kidnapped 2 Muslim herdmem on 21 and 22 March 1998 respectively.

Then, on 24 March 1998 they went to the home of Chairman Shashi Mohan Chakma, demanded him to return the missing cows and the herdmen, and threatened him with death if he failed to meet their demands.

Having sensed the conspiracy against him, he immediately took the matter up with the Dighinala Police Station and district authorities, and sought Police protection. After thorough investigation, the Police and the district authorities, who were all Bengali Muslims, could not find an evidence to implicate the innocent indigenous people in the alleged case nor could they find any base of the allegation.

In spite of that, the Muslims did not stop their threat. On the other hand, Bangladesh police and district authorities refused to take security measures for him. In these circumstances, this helpless indigenous Chairman fears for his life and he cannot return home. So, he has no other option but to take refuge at Dighinala Police Station.

Sources: