Urgent Call for Action in Chittagong Hill Tracts

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: Recent violent attacks against Indigenous Peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh have sparked grave concern among human rights organisations. The incidents, which occurred in September and October 2024, resulted in multiple deaths, destruction of property, and heightened tensions between Bengali settlers and Indigenous communities.

Violence erupted in Khagrachari and Rangamati, leading to the deaths of four Indigenous persons and widespread arson attacks on Indigenous houses, businesses, and Buddhist places of worship. Further unrest followed allegations of sexual assault against an Indigenous student by a Bengali teacher, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of Indigenous women and girls in the region.

Concerns have been raised about the role of security forces and their apparent inaction during the attacks, with witnesses reporting that violence continued for hours despite the imposition of restrictions on unlawful assemblies. The violence is believed to be linked to ongoing tensions and inflammatory rhetoric against Indigenous Peoples in the region, including recent statements by settler leaders claiming exclusive rights to the CHT.

In light of these events, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) and other human rights organisations have called upon Dr. Mohammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, to take immediate action. They also urge the government to invite the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation into the violence and establish an impartial Commission of Inquiry with adequate powers to investigate and facilitate legal proceedings.

Swift legal action must be taken against those responsible for the attacks and alleged mob killings. The government must implement stronger protections for Indigenous women and girls and investigate the role of security forces during the incidents.

To build trust and maintain neutrality, CHTC recommends establishing an ethnically diverse police force in the region. This step would help prevent discriminatory practices and reduce the risk of perceived or actual bias during conflicts between Indigenous and Bengali groups.

Finally, they urge the government to prioritise inclusive dialogue and address the root causes of the conflict to achieve lasting peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.