UPDF urges government to reinstate Buddha statues in Bhujulichuk

THE United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) has urged the government to reinstate the Buddha statues removed from Bhujulichuk Buddhist meditation centre in Lakshmichari of Khagrachari district.

In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district on 7 October, UPDF's District Organiser Apu Chakma wrote: "On 23 September 2008, a group of 20 - 22 army personnel led by Captain Islam, commander of Shuknachari Indra Singh Para camp, went to Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre situated on the hill top of Bhujulichuk, stayed there overnight and then took away four Buddha statues from the said meditation centre the next day."

The letter also narrated the previous army assaults on the meditation centre and harassment of the Buddhist monks there.

Terming Bangladesh as a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural country, UPDF leader Mr. Apu Chakma said "each and every government (of Bangladesh) has spoken of the rights of the citizens to practice their own religion, and the constitution of the country also guarantees this right. But yet, it is beyond our comprehension as to why and under which authority of law a few army personnel continue to attack religious institutions and encroach upon the religious rights of the citizens."

The letter said repeated attacks on religious institutions like Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre and harassment of the meditating monks has caused resentment among the Buddhist community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

"We think you should play more energetic role to make sure that each and every religious community in your district are able to practice its own religion without any hindrance" the letter told the DC.

It also urged the Deputy Commissioner to investigate the military interventions in Bhujulichuk Meditation Centre and take measures to ensure congenial atmosphere for practicing meditation there, to punish those responsible for the attacks on BMC and to stop religious persecution in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

chtnews.com
News No. 158/2008, October 17, 2008