Chittagong Hill Tracts people call for Inquiry Report to be made public

News desk
shottobani

Londonঃ The newly established Global Association for Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (GAIPC) has urged the government led by Dr. Mohammed Yunus to publicly release the Inquiry Commission Report regarding the violent attacks on indigenous peoples that occurred on 19-20 September 2024. These attacks, allegedly perpetrated by illegal plain settlers and the Bangladesh Army, resulted in the deaths of at least four indigenous individuals and left numerous others injured. Additionally, over 140 properties, including homes and Buddhist temples, were reported looted or destroyed during the incidents.

Despite the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the incidents, there has been no communication regarding the report’s progress, leading GAIPC members to express concerns about transparency and accountability, reminiscent of previous government inaction on human rights violations. They have warned of escalating the matter to international organisations if the report remains undisclosed.

In response to the violence, the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner formed a seven-member inquiry committee, which visited the affected areas and is expected to submit its findings. However, the GAIPC has expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and accountability, emphasising that no public statement has been made regarding the status of the inquiry report.

The organisation, which has branches in several countries, including the United States and Canada, has threatened to raise the issue with the United Nations if the report is not made public. They argue that the indigenous communities, primarily non-Muslim and followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, have been targeted not only for their ethnic identity but also for their religious beliefs. The GAIPC’s call for action highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and justice for indigenous peoples in Bangladesh.