There are serious allegations against the military of breaking neutrality and campaigning for its faourite candidates in various Upazilas of Khagrachari district.
One report said the Bizitola camp commander, Captain Mohammad Alamgir (13 Bir), is pressurising the voters to cast their votes in favour of Ula Prue Marma.
Mr. Marma, an Awami League member, is contesting for the post of Chairman in Mahalchari Upazila.
Today, at around 1pm, soldiers led by a Warrant Officer from Bizitola camp detained four supporters of his rival candidate Mr. Sona Ratan Chakma from the village of Bodanala.
The arrested have been identified as Amiyo Kanti Chakma s/o Karmasur Chakma age 40 and Mera Chakma s/o Zin Mohan Chakma age 40 of Bodanala village and Mohammad Bokkor age 35 and Mohammad Nasiruddin age 22 from Lemuchari village.
They have been taken to the camp, sources in Khagrachari said.
Mr. Sona Ratan Chakma is known to be backed by the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) and commands support from both the Jummas and Bengalis.
The Mahalchari Zone commander and his second in command Ziaul Haq (13 Bir) are also alleged to be pressurizing the Bengali voters to cast their votes in favour of the Awami League candidate, Ula Prue Marma.
The army is also allegedly campaigning for Bakul Chakma in Panchari and Animesh Dewan alias Sudukkya in Khagrachari Upazilas to stem the victory of the UPDF-backed candidates.
In Lakshmichari, the army is intimidating the supporters of Remrachai Marma, who is contesting for the post of Chairman. He is believed to have the blessing of the UPDF.
The army is openly backing Deva Rani Chakma, wife of Anil Chakma, in this Upazila.
Anil Chakma was a member of the UPDF but was expelled for embezzling party funds and breaking party disciplines a few years ago.
Since then he and his wife have been working for the army, alleged most of the voters in Lakshmichari.
chtnews.com
News No. 05/2009, January 21, 2009
