Army forcing Jummas to sell goods at cheaper price

The army is forcing the Jummas to sell their produce such as dried turmeric and ginger at throwaway prices to the Bengali traders in Baghaihat bazaar of Sajek in Rangamati district, alleged a human rights activist, who requested anonymity, citing security reasons.

He said Saturday is market day in Baghaihat. On last Saturday, 17 January, the Commanding Officer (CO) of Baghaihat army zone, Lt. Col, Anisuzzaman, forced five Jumma villagers to sell their ginger at Taka 40 per kg, much cheaper than the market price.

At the market it sells at Taka 65 per kg.

According to him, Arun Mohan Chakma (53) s/o Lakshmi Chakma, Anil Kanti Chakma (52) s/o late Kanti Chakma, Shanti Bikash Chakma s/o Badi Chandra Chakma, Joton Kumar Chakma of Bhaibonechara village and Anil Kanit Chakma (30) s/o Shukar Singh Chakma of Hazachara village were forced to sell their produce at such a throwaway price.

"The Jummas each brought 80 kgs of ginger to the market, the aggregate value of which stands at Taka 26,000. Therefore, clearly they have been made to lose Take 10,000." he said.

He said he also received reports of such forced selling from Dighinala, but could not give details.

chtnews.com
News No. 02/2009, January 19, 2009