On 26 August 2003, Bangladesh army in league with Muslim settlers attacked the indigenous Buddhist people in Mahalchari. Bangladesh army and Muslim settlers set fire on more than 370 indigenous Buddhist houses. An indigenous Chakma man and an indigenous Chakma infant (8 months) were killed. More than 1000 indigenous Buddhist people were rendered homeless. Lemucharipara Buddhist Temple and Babupara Buddhist Temple were burnt down. Lord Buddha's images were demolished. Bangladesh army and Muslim settlers raped 10 indigenous Chakma women.

Bengali settlers continue to grab indigenous land and rob indigenous people in CHT

The Muslim settlers are still receiving rations from the Bangladesh government. On the other hand the indigenous people are not getting any benefit of this kind. It is also notable that the entire ration distribution system is plagued by corruption and malpractice. They are also being exploited and manipulated by some opportunist Muslim settler leaders and political elements with direct involvement of some government officials.

The Muslim settlers continue to grab the lands of the indigenous people with the help of Bangladesh army. They are also involved in activities of communal attacks and robbery. Recently on 3 August 2003 some Muslim settlers robbed one Chakma family and snatched valuable ornaments of his wife while the victims were on their way to Rangamati from remote village.

Hundreds of acres of indigenous land are also being grabbed by the Muslim settlers as before. Recently, the Muslim settlers have occupied the lands of indigenous people in Billachara of Shuvalong union in Rangamati district, Bhuachari area of Kamalchari union under Khagrachari disctrict, Lemuchari area under Mahalchari sub-district and Choto Panchari under Panchari sub-district.

Influx of new Muslim settlers is also taking place in the CHT. The old Muslim settlers are bringing their relatives to the CHT. Mr. Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, the Muslim settler MP is providing assistance to these new settlers. To facilitate the influx, there are direct bus services from northern districts of Bangladesh, such as, Bagura, Sirajganj etc. to Khagrachari.

The Muslim settlers are also helping the Rohingya refugees from Myamnar to settle in Bandarban district of CHT, particularly Nakkyangchari, Ruma and Lama by providing lands and other facilities.

Sources: