Indigenous groups from the Amazon have won a major victory after Brazil's Supreme Court upheld the integrity of a vast native reserve, paving the way for the eviction of white farmers who have resisted leaving. Skip related content
Related photos / videos A Makunaimi tribe member attends a session at the Supreme Federal Court on March 18 in …More Enlarge photo A Makunaimi tribe member attends a session at the Supreme Federal Court on March 18 in …More Enlarge photo Amazonian indigenous groups have won a major legal victory after a decision at Brazil's …More Enlarge photo Dozens of bare-chested, brightly painted indigenous people celebrated on Thursday the landmark ruling by dancing and singing outside Brazil's top court, which weighed into a 30-year dispute over the rights of native groups to lands in South America's largest nation.
"This decision is a great victory for Indians and enshrines the rights of indigenous peoples," Marcio Meira, president of the National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), told AFP.
In a 10-1 vote, the tribunal's judges reaffirmed the borders of the Raposa Serra do Sol reserve and ordered the rice farmers' expulsion.
>Full story> http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20090320/tsc-brazil-s-top-court-backs-indigenous-c2ff8aa.html
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Conspiracy to capture Sadhana Bana Vihara continues
Conspiracy to capture 300 acres of land belonging to Sadhana Bana
Vihara in Babuchara is still continuing as the army refuses to allow
house building materials into areas north of Babuchara army check
post. The army suspects that the materials will be used to construct a
Buddhist temple there.
Forcible grabbing of Jumma people’s land had become rampant after the
declaration of a state of emergency in the country in January 2007.
Even lands belonging to religious institutions were not spared.
At that time, the army and settlers also made numerous attempts to
capture Sadhana Bana Vihara’s land by force. But when the Jumma people
of the area put up an organised resistance, they retreated but
continued their efforts by changing their strategy.
The settlers filed a number of false cases against the Jummas, but in
the end of the day the Jummas came out victorius.
On 18 February 2009, two Bengali settlers filed another law suit with
the Khagrachari district judge’s court, and the court issued an
injunction ordering parties to maintain status quo.
After obtaining the court order, the army imposed an embargo on house
building materials such as brick, cement, iron rod, corrugated iron
sheet and sand to be carried beyond Babuchara army check post in the
direction of Sadhana Baba Vihar area.
This resulted in immense suffering of the common people who are not
being able to build new houses or repair old ones before the onset of
the rainy season which is not far off.
One Juboraj Chakma, who resides near the office of Babuchara Union
Council office, sought to import in corrugated iron sheets for the
reparation of his house. But the army and Village Defense Party
members prevented him from doing so. Like him, many other Jummas have
faced similar experience.
Apart from the embargo, the army regularly checks vehicles carrying
Jummas and holds them back for hours on end, for reasons best known to
it.
On 12 March, an ambulance carrying the dead body of a Jumma was halted
at the check post for 4 hours. On the same day, a jeep of a wedding
party was also halted and held back for three hours.
“But the army never checks or halts the vehicles of the Bengali
people”, alleged a Jumma villager of the area.
“This is awfully discriminatory, and we are really sick of it”, he further said.
Apparently to check out if the court order was being complied with,
soldiers from Babuchara sub-zone regularly visit Sadhana Bana Vihara.
On 7 March, they entered the dining hall of the Vihar with their boots
on and showered insults on Ven. Buddha Bongsha Bhikkhu, the chief
priest of the temple. He and other monks were taking their pre-midday
meal at the time.
On another occasion, the army ordered the chief priest to remove the
bricks, iron rods and other house building materials from the Vihar
area. But the monk told the army point blank that “that is not
possible”.
While there is smoldering resentment against the unlawful embargo
imposed by the army, the Jummas are also showing resilience. “We will
no more take such injustices lying down. We will fight the legal
battle, and do whatever we can to save Sadhana Bana Vihar.” said a
villager echoing the general sentiment of his fellow Jummas in
Babuchara.
chtnews.com
News No. 16/2009, March 20, 2009
Vihara in Babuchara is still continuing as the army refuses to allow
house building materials into areas north of Babuchara army check
post. The army suspects that the materials will be used to construct a
Buddhist temple there.
Forcible grabbing of Jumma people’s land had become rampant after the
declaration of a state of emergency in the country in January 2007.
Even lands belonging to religious institutions were not spared.
At that time, the army and settlers also made numerous attempts to
capture Sadhana Bana Vihara’s land by force. But when the Jumma people
of the area put up an organised resistance, they retreated but
continued their efforts by changing their strategy.
The settlers filed a number of false cases against the Jummas, but in
the end of the day the Jummas came out victorius.
On 18 February 2009, two Bengali settlers filed another law suit with
the Khagrachari district judge’s court, and the court issued an
injunction ordering parties to maintain status quo.
After obtaining the court order, the army imposed an embargo on house
building materials such as brick, cement, iron rod, corrugated iron
sheet and sand to be carried beyond Babuchara army check post in the
direction of Sadhana Baba Vihar area.
This resulted in immense suffering of the common people who are not
being able to build new houses or repair old ones before the onset of
the rainy season which is not far off.
One Juboraj Chakma, who resides near the office of Babuchara Union
Council office, sought to import in corrugated iron sheets for the
reparation of his house. But the army and Village Defense Party
members prevented him from doing so. Like him, many other Jummas have
faced similar experience.
Apart from the embargo, the army regularly checks vehicles carrying
Jummas and holds them back for hours on end, for reasons best known to
it.
On 12 March, an ambulance carrying the dead body of a Jumma was halted
at the check post for 4 hours. On the same day, a jeep of a wedding
party was also halted and held back for three hours.
“But the army never checks or halts the vehicles of the Bengali
people”, alleged a Jumma villager of the area.
“This is awfully discriminatory, and we are really sick of it”, he further said.
Apparently to check out if the court order was being complied with,
soldiers from Babuchara sub-zone regularly visit Sadhana Bana Vihara.
On 7 March, they entered the dining hall of the Vihar with their boots
on and showered insults on Ven. Buddha Bongsha Bhikkhu, the chief
priest of the temple. He and other monks were taking their pre-midday
meal at the time.
On another occasion, the army ordered the chief priest to remove the
bricks, iron rods and other house building materials from the Vihar
area. But the monk told the army point blank that “that is not
possible”.
While there is smoldering resentment against the unlawful embargo
imposed by the army, the Jummas are also showing resilience. “We will
no more take such injustices lying down. We will fight the legal
battle, and do whatever we can to save Sadhana Bana Vihar.” said a
villager echoing the general sentiment of his fellow Jummas in
Babuchara.
chtnews.com
News No. 16/2009, March 20, 2009
Two innocent villagers arrested in Kudukchari
Two innocent villagers have been arrested by army in Kudukchari under
Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of army personnel led by a captain from
Kudukchari camp raided the village of Kabukchari today and arrested
Amal Chakma, 45 and Dharma Chan Chakma, 45.
The name of the commander could not be known; he came to the camp only
two days ago.
The Jummas were picked up in the afternoon, and the army has taken
them to the camp, the sources said without giving further details.
Kabukchari lies about one and a half km west of the camp. Today’s raid
follows another two such recent raids into the village in as many
days.
chtnews.com
News No. 15/2009, March 18, 2009
Rangamati district.
Sources said a group of army personnel led by a captain from
Kudukchari camp raided the village of Kabukchari today and arrested
Amal Chakma, 45 and Dharma Chan Chakma, 45.
The name of the commander could not be known; he came to the camp only
two days ago.
The Jummas were picked up in the afternoon, and the army has taken
them to the camp, the sources said without giving further details.
Kabukchari lies about one and a half km west of the camp. Today’s raid
follows another two such recent raids into the village in as many
days.
chtnews.com
News No. 15/2009, March 18, 2009
UPDF leader’s house searched in Kudukchari, one arrested
The army has searched the house of a central committee member of the
United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) at Kudukchari and arrested a
neighbor, sources in Rangamati said.
A group of army personnel from Kudukchari camp raided the house of
Ananda Prakash Chakma, a member of the central committee of the UPDF,
in the village of Pora Adam today at 5:45pm.
The house lies within 250 yards of the camp, near Kudukchari bazaar.
The soldiers turned the house upside down, searching for firearms or
incriminating materials, but found none.
Mr. Ananda Prakash Chakma was not at home during the search, and the
army personnel interrogated his wife Monica Chakma about his
whereabouts.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers were accompanied by a person with a
bandanna covering his face.
“The masked man stood at a corner of the house and talked something
into the ears of a soldier.” said an eyewitness who refused to be
named for security reasons.
He said after the search the army picked up Tindukkya Chakma, 32, from
his house.
Tindukkya Chakma, an innocent villager, has a false case against him
and is on bail.
The army left the scene at 6:10pm.
chtnews.com
News No. 14/2009, March 16, 2009
United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) at Kudukchari and arrested a
neighbor, sources in Rangamati said.
A group of army personnel from Kudukchari camp raided the house of
Ananda Prakash Chakma, a member of the central committee of the UPDF,
in the village of Pora Adam today at 5:45pm.
The house lies within 250 yards of the camp, near Kudukchari bazaar.
The soldiers turned the house upside down, searching for firearms or
incriminating materials, but found none.
Mr. Ananda Prakash Chakma was not at home during the search, and the
army personnel interrogated his wife Monica Chakma about his
whereabouts.
Eyewitnesses said the soldiers were accompanied by a person with a
bandanna covering his face.
“The masked man stood at a corner of the house and talked something
into the ears of a soldier.” said an eyewitness who refused to be
named for security reasons.
He said after the search the army picked up Tindukkya Chakma, 32, from
his house.
Tindukkya Chakma, an innocent villager, has a false case against him
and is on bail.
The army left the scene at 6:10pm.
chtnews.com
News No. 14/2009, March 16, 2009
Three innocent villagers arrested in Karallyachari
Three innocent Jumma villagers were arrested by army yesterday from
Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir area in Karallyachari under Mahalchari Upazila
in Khagrachari district.
Warrant Officer, Md. Wahid of 13 Bir, stationed at Sarnath Arannyo
Kuthir, made the arrests at 9am while they were sawing logs in the
Kuthir (Buddhist temple) area.
The arrested have been identified as Shanti Ranjan Chakma, 45, s/o
late Ram Charan Chakma, Amar Singh Chakma, 40, s/o Biro Sen Chakma and
America Chakma, 45, s/o Kalabiza Chakma. They are from the village of
Karallyachari.
The army handed them over to the police station in Mahalchari.
However, no case has yet been filed against them, said Sunil Jibon
Chakma, ex-chairman of Kyang-ghat Union Council.
He further said newly-elected Mahalchari Upazila Chairman, Mr. Sona
Ratan Chakma contacted the Mahalchari zone headquarters of the army
yesterday and pleaded for their release; but his request went
unheeded.
“I have heard that there will be a meeting this morning at 10am at
Karallyachari where the issue will be discussed. Sona Ratan Chakma and
army officers are expected to attend this meeting.” Mr. Sunil said.
During the state of emergency in 2007 and 2008, the army and settlers
made repeated attempts to capture the Kuthir’s 8 acres of land and its
adjacent areas. The local administration imposed section 145 in the area prohibiting the gathering of people and banning uplift work in
the Kuthir.
Army personnel have been deployed to the area since January.
chtnews.com
News No. 13/2009, March 16, 2009
Sarnath Arannyo Kuthir area in Karallyachari under Mahalchari Upazila
in Khagrachari district.
Warrant Officer, Md. Wahid of 13 Bir, stationed at Sarnath Arannyo
Kuthir, made the arrests at 9am while they were sawing logs in the
Kuthir (Buddhist temple) area.
The arrested have been identified as Shanti Ranjan Chakma, 45, s/o
late Ram Charan Chakma, Amar Singh Chakma, 40, s/o Biro Sen Chakma and
America Chakma, 45, s/o Kalabiza Chakma. They are from the village of
Karallyachari.
The army handed them over to the police station in Mahalchari.
However, no case has yet been filed against them, said Sunil Jibon
Chakma, ex-chairman of Kyang-ghat Union Council.
He further said newly-elected Mahalchari Upazila Chairman, Mr. Sona
Ratan Chakma contacted the Mahalchari zone headquarters of the army
yesterday and pleaded for their release; but his request went
unheeded.
“I have heard that there will be a meeting this morning at 10am at
Karallyachari where the issue will be discussed. Sona Ratan Chakma and
army officers are expected to attend this meeting.” Mr. Sunil said.
During the state of emergency in 2007 and 2008, the army and settlers
made repeated attempts to capture the Kuthir’s 8 acres of land and its
adjacent areas. The local administration imposed section 145 in the area prohibiting the gathering of people and banning uplift work in
the Kuthir.
Army personnel have been deployed to the area since January.
chtnews.com
News No. 13/2009, March 16, 2009
Rape of Ety Chakma: HWF stages protest rally
The Hill Women’s Federation, a front organisation of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), today brought out a procession and staged a rally in Khagrachari in protest against the rape of Ety Chakma in Dighinala. (photo attached)
The procession took off from Red Square and paraded the main road of the town before ending at Swanirbhor Bazaar.
Thereafter, the processionists held a rally which was presided over by Rina Dewan, President of HWF Khagrachari District Unit. Konika Dewan, Organising Secretary of the HWF and Arpan Chakma, Secretary of PCP Khagrachari District Unit, also addressed the rally.
The speakers condemned the rape of four-year old girl Ety Chakma and demanded immediate arrest rapist Mostafa Mian.
The leaders regretted that no perpetrator of human rights violations has ever been arrested and punished, and added that “the life of the Jumma women will never be safe and such kinds of incidents are bound to recur until and unless the army and settlers are withdrawn from the Chittagong Hill Tracts.”
chtnews.com
News No. 12/2009, March 9, 2009
One Jumma girl child raped in Dighinala
As the world observes International Women’s Day, a girl child is raped in a village in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a region where an overwhelming presence of military and settlers makes the ethnic Jumma women most vulnerable to sexual assaults.
Four-year old Ety Chakma was raped by Mostafa Mian, a Bengali settler from Betchari village in Dighinala Upazila, yesterday, 8 March, sources in Khagrachari said.
Quoting the victim’s father Zhimit Chakma and mother Joshi Chakma of village Shanti Lakshmipur in Madhyom Boalkhali under Dighinala Upazila, sources said the incident occurred at 1pm when Ety Chakma went to Miyeeni River, half a Kilometer away from their house, to have a bath.
At 3pm she was taken to Dighinala hospital from where she was referred to Khagrachari District Hospital.
“She is now lying on bed number 8 in the Child Unit of the hospital”, sources said.
Victim’s parents said the Officer-in-Charge of Dighinala police station had contacted them and taken their signature on a blank paper. They did not know the reason why the police did this.
Sonali Chakma, president of Hill Women’s Federation, condemned the incident and urged the government to bring the culprit to justice.
chtnews.com
News No. 11/2009, March 9, 2009
Four-year old Ety Chakma was raped by Mostafa Mian, a Bengali settler from Betchari village in Dighinala Upazila, yesterday, 8 March, sources in Khagrachari said.
Quoting the victim’s father Zhimit Chakma and mother Joshi Chakma of village Shanti Lakshmipur in Madhyom Boalkhali under Dighinala Upazila, sources said the incident occurred at 1pm when Ety Chakma went to Miyeeni River, half a Kilometer away from their house, to have a bath.
At 3pm she was taken to Dighinala hospital from where she was referred to Khagrachari District Hospital.
“She is now lying on bed number 8 in the Child Unit of the hospital”, sources said.
Victim’s parents said the Officer-in-Charge of Dighinala police station had contacted them and taken their signature on a blank paper. They did not know the reason why the police did this.
Sonali Chakma, president of Hill Women’s Federation, condemned the incident and urged the government to bring the culprit to justice.
chtnews.com
News No. 11/2009, March 9, 2009
Two UPDF activists arrested in Naniachar, released later
Two members of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) were arrested yesterday, Tuesday, from Ghilachari under Naiachar Upazila in Rangamati district.
UPDF office in Kudukchari said the UPDF men were on their way to Naniachar unit office of the party and were carrying coupons of the Hill Women’s Federation with them. The coupons have been issued by HWF to raise funds for its progamme to mark the 8 March International Women’s Day and HWF’s founding anniversary.
The arrestees are Sonamoni Chakma, aged 24, s/o Baghaia Chakma of village Kudukchari Uporpara and Sunendu Chakma, aged 20, s/o Hiron Kumar Chakma of village Biharpur, Rangamati Sadar.
They were arrested at around 8am by army personnel from Ghilachari camp and were handed over to the Naniachar police station subsequently.
No case has been filed against them, and the police had to release them last night after HWF activists and local Jumma elders put pressure on the Officer-in-charge.
However, the army refused to return the coupon books to the HWF.
chtnews.com
News No. 10/2009, March 4, 2009
UPDF office in Kudukchari said the UPDF men were on their way to Naniachar unit office of the party and were carrying coupons of the Hill Women’s Federation with them. The coupons have been issued by HWF to raise funds for its progamme to mark the 8 March International Women’s Day and HWF’s founding anniversary.
The arrestees are Sonamoni Chakma, aged 24, s/o Baghaia Chakma of village Kudukchari Uporpara and Sunendu Chakma, aged 20, s/o Hiron Kumar Chakma of village Biharpur, Rangamati Sadar.
They were arrested at around 8am by army personnel from Ghilachari camp and were handed over to the Naniachar police station subsequently.
No case has been filed against them, and the police had to release them last night after HWF activists and local Jumma elders put pressure on the Officer-in-charge.
However, the army refused to return the coupon books to the HWF.
chtnews.com
News No. 10/2009, March 4, 2009
JSS (Reformist) leader Chanra Shekhor Chakma shot at in Rangamati
Chandra Shekhor Chakma, a top ranking leader of the Jana Samhati Samiti (Reformist) and ex-General Secretary of the JSS, has been shot at near his home at Champaknagar in Rangamati town. The incident occurred at around 10AM when he was coming back home after a meeting with his supporters. The assailants, who waylaid him, shot him at point-blank range.
Mr. Chakma has been rushed to Chittagong Medical College hospital in critical condition.
The Reformist leaders of the JSS has condemned the terrorist attack on Chandra Shekhor Chakma and blamed the Santu Larma faction of the JSS for it.
United Peoples Democratic Front’s (UPDF) Rangamati unit organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma, also condemned the incident and urged all the democratic and peace loving people of the CHT to unite against the armed gangs let loose by Santu Larma.
chtnews.com
February 25, 2009
Mr. Chakma has been rushed to Chittagong Medical College hospital in critical condition.
The Reformist leaders of the JSS has condemned the terrorist attack on Chandra Shekhor Chakma and blamed the Santu Larma faction of the JSS for it.
United Peoples Democratic Front’s (UPDF) Rangamati unit organiser, Shanti Dev Chakma, also condemned the incident and urged all the democratic and peace loving people of the CHT to unite against the armed gangs let loose by Santu Larma.
chtnews.com
February 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Implementation of Peace Accord
Former adviser to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal speaks at a press conference organised by the International CHT Commission at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On her left are Lord Eric Avebury and Sara Hossain and on her right is Dr Shapan Adnan.Photo: STARStaff Correspondent
Speakers at a briefing yesterday said activating land commission, pursuing voluntary relocation of settlers and demilitarisation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) administration within a declared time frame must be considered on priority basis to ensure full implementation of the CHT peace accord.
“CHT administration must be demilitarised as far as it is possible. Land commission must be activated and illegally occupied lands must be recovered and returned to its real owners,” said Dr Shapan Adnan, one of the delegation members of the commission.
The commission also recommend the government for engaging an impartial and accountable body to review vexatious cases to ensure effective redress and reparation to the affected indigenous people who very often fell victim to false cases.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) at the press briefing at the National Press club in the city came up with the recommendations after completing its second mission in CHT yesterday and urged the government to initiate concrete and time-bound actions for full implementation of the treaty.
CHTC Chairman Lord Eric Avebury said, “CHTC agrees with the government that the problems of the CHT are primarily political in nature and therefore demand political rather than military solutions.”
The recommendations focused on enhancing the power of civil administration in CHT and protecting human rights and ensuring access to justice in the areas.
The recommendations also mentioned that the ongoing Operation Uttoron in CHT confers on the military rights to intervene in civil matters beyond their proper jurisdiction and urged the government to publicise text of the operation for public scrutiny, saying, “The commission would like to see the phased withdrawal of troops from the areas as mentioned in the accord to be completed within a declared time frame.”
Other recommendations include activating Nari O Shishu Nirjaton Domon Tribunal in every CHT district, implementing provisions for resettlement and rehabilitation of repatriated hilly refugees, survey and updating land records and compiling voter list in the hill district councils, activating land disputes resolution commission and cancellation of unduly prolonged provision for free rations to Bangalee settlers in the areas.
Barrister Sara Hossain and Sultana Kamal also took part in the programme
Speakers at a briefing yesterday said activating land commission, pursuing voluntary relocation of settlers and demilitarisation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) administration within a declared time frame must be considered on priority basis to ensure full implementation of the CHT peace accord.
“CHT administration must be demilitarised as far as it is possible. Land commission must be activated and illegally occupied lands must be recovered and returned to its real owners,” said Dr Shapan Adnan, one of the delegation members of the commission.
The commission also recommend the government for engaging an impartial and accountable body to review vexatious cases to ensure effective redress and reparation to the affected indigenous people who very often fell victim to false cases.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) at the press briefing at the National Press club in the city came up with the recommendations after completing its second mission in CHT yesterday and urged the government to initiate concrete and time-bound actions for full implementation of the treaty.
CHTC Chairman Lord Eric Avebury said, “CHTC agrees with the government that the problems of the CHT are primarily political in nature and therefore demand political rather than military solutions.”
The recommendations focused on enhancing the power of civil administration in CHT and protecting human rights and ensuring access to justice in the areas.
The recommendations also mentioned that the ongoing Operation Uttoron in CHT confers on the military rights to intervene in civil matters beyond their proper jurisdiction and urged the government to publicise text of the operation for public scrutiny, saying, “The commission would like to see the phased withdrawal of troops from the areas as mentioned in the accord to be completed within a declared time frame.”
Other recommendations include activating Nari O Shishu Nirjaton Domon Tribunal in every CHT district, implementing provisions for resettlement and rehabilitation of repatriated hilly refugees, survey and updating land records and compiling voter list in the hill district councils, activating land disputes resolution commission and cancellation of unduly prolonged provision for free rations to Bangalee settlers in the areas.
Barrister Sara Hossain and Sultana Kamal also took part in the programme
Check graft in CHT rationing
CHT Commission urges govt
Staff Correspondent
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission yesterday requested the government to check corruption of the rationing system in CHT and provide rations to the Bangalee settlers who want to return to their previous places.
The commission also urged the government to activate the CHT Land Commission as settlement of land problems will help to resolve more than 80 percent problems of the indigenous people there.
The commission made the call when its delegation led by its co-chair Lord Eric Avebury called on Food Minister Abdur Razzak at the ministry.
“There is a huge volume of corruption in rationing system,” commission member Shapan Adnan told The Daily Star after the meeting.
The commission urged the government for providing rations to the Bangalee settlers who want to return to their previous houses outside the CHT, he said.
Lord Avebury said the government should activate the CHT Land Commission to demilitarise the civil administration in the CHT as per CHT accord.
The minister assured that government would take necessary measures in this regard and adding that it is also considering formation of a land commission to settle the disputes of the indigenous people both in hilly and plain areas.
He sought help from the commission in resolving the land problems of the indigenous people.
Earlier, the delegation members called on Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni at her office.
Dipu Moni said the present government will take all the steps for full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord and added that it will be easier to solve any problem in CHT as peoples' representatives are in power now.
The commission's resource person Yuko Shiva, Bangladesh secretariat Coordinator Shirin Sultana Lira, International Secretariat Coordinator Christina Nilsson and its member Dr Meghna Guhathakurta were also the delegation members.
Staff Correspondent
Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission yesterday requested the government to check corruption of the rationing system in CHT and provide rations to the Bangalee settlers who want to return to their previous places.
The commission also urged the government to activate the CHT Land Commission as settlement of land problems will help to resolve more than 80 percent problems of the indigenous people there.
The commission made the call when its delegation led by its co-chair Lord Eric Avebury called on Food Minister Abdur Razzak at the ministry.
“There is a huge volume of corruption in rationing system,” commission member Shapan Adnan told The Daily Star after the meeting.
The commission urged the government for providing rations to the Bangalee settlers who want to return to their previous houses outside the CHT, he said.
Lord Avebury said the government should activate the CHT Land Commission to demilitarise the civil administration in the CHT as per CHT accord.
The minister assured that government would take necessary measures in this regard and adding that it is also considering formation of a land commission to settle the disputes of the indigenous people both in hilly and plain areas.
He sought help from the commission in resolving the land problems of the indigenous people.
Earlier, the delegation members called on Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni at her office.
Dipu Moni said the present government will take all the steps for full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord and added that it will be easier to solve any problem in CHT as peoples' representatives are in power now.
The commission's resource person Yuko Shiva, Bangladesh secretariat Coordinator Shirin Sultana Lira, International Secretariat Coordinator Christina Nilsson and its member Dr Meghna Guhathakurta were also the delegation members.
Two Jummas including a woman arrested in Lakshmichari
Two Jumma villagers including the wife of a UPDF member were arrested during an army raid in Lakshmichari Upazila under Khagrachari district.
Reliable sources said in the small hours of 16 February (3am) a group of army personnel from Lakshmichari zone raided the house of Lakshmi Chakma, a member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), in the village of Golachari.
The soldiers turned the house upside town in the name of search and took away Lakshmi Chakma's wife Sumitra Chakma (26) and another villager Bigunnya Chakma (26) s/o Chaga Chakma to the camp.
None of them has been released till the writing this report at 12 noon.
chtnews.com
News No. 09/2009, February 16, 2009
Reliable sources said in the small hours of 16 February (3am) a group of army personnel from Lakshmichari zone raided the house of Lakshmi Chakma, a member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), in the village of Golachari.
The soldiers turned the house upside town in the name of search and took away Lakshmi Chakma's wife Sumitra Chakma (26) and another villager Bigunnya Chakma (26) s/o Chaga Chakma to the camp.
None of them has been released till the writing this report at 12 noon.
chtnews.com
News No. 09/2009, February 16, 2009
Army raids UPDF leader's house
Army has raided the house of Ruikhoi Marma, a central committee member
of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), in the village of
Bot-toli under Lakshmichari Upazila in Khagrachari district.
According to sources a group of 13 army personnel led by Lt. Col.
Sharifuddin Ahmed, Commanding Officer of Lakshmichari zone, carried
out the raid at 11 am today.
The soldiers beat up Rajeshwari Chakma, wife of Ruikhoi Marma, and
their daughter-in-law Mrs. Naijai Marma and interrogated them about
his whereabouts.
Ruikhoi Marma was not at home during the raid.
The army personnel also ransacked the house and placed his family
members under house arrest.
The incident comes within two days of the first raid on 10 February
when four Jumma villagers were tortured.
They are Chokkya Chakma, aged 45, his wife Sneha Moyee Chakma, aged
35, their daughter Bali Chakma, aged 20, and Jagadish Chakma, aged 70.
The soldiers also took away Taka 1,000 from Jagadish Chakma.
A group of 26 army personnel led by Lt. Col. Sharifuddin Ahmed
conducted the raid.
chtnews.com
News No. 08/2009, February 12, 2009
of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), in the village of
Bot-toli under Lakshmichari Upazila in Khagrachari district.
According to sources a group of 13 army personnel led by Lt. Col.
Sharifuddin Ahmed, Commanding Officer of Lakshmichari zone, carried
out the raid at 11 am today.
The soldiers beat up Rajeshwari Chakma, wife of Ruikhoi Marma, and
their daughter-in-law Mrs. Naijai Marma and interrogated them about
his whereabouts.
Ruikhoi Marma was not at home during the raid.
The army personnel also ransacked the house and placed his family
members under house arrest.
The incident comes within two days of the first raid on 10 February
when four Jumma villagers were tortured.
They are Chokkya Chakma, aged 45, his wife Sneha Moyee Chakma, aged
35, their daughter Bali Chakma, aged 20, and Jagadish Chakma, aged 70.
The soldiers also took away Taka 1,000 from Jagadish Chakma.
A group of 26 army personnel led by Lt. Col. Sharifuddin Ahmed
conducted the raid.
chtnews.com
News No. 08/2009, February 12, 2009
UPDF member arrested in Belaichari
A member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF) has been arrested in Belaichari Upazila under Rangamati district.
Sources said UPDF member Kanak Baran Chakma alias Rupen, aged 20, s/o Bimalendu Chakma (mother's name Ratto Chakma) was arrested on Wednesday, 11 February, at about 1 pm from a tea shop at Dhupshil. He is a resident of Basanta Nichpara (Downhill) village.
Captain Tanvir from Dhupshil camp made the arrest. Mr. Chakma was tortured badly and taken to the camp.
chtnews.com
News No. 07/2009, February 12, 2009
Sources said UPDF member Kanak Baran Chakma alias Rupen, aged 20, s/o Bimalendu Chakma (mother's name Ratto Chakma) was arrested on Wednesday, 11 February, at about 1 pm from a tea shop at Dhupshil. He is a resident of Basanta Nichpara (Downhill) village.
Captain Tanvir from Dhupshil camp made the arrest. Mr. Chakma was tortured badly and taken to the camp.
chtnews.com
News No. 07/2009, February 12, 2009
Letter to PCJSS and UPDF
Dear Members of both UPDF and PCJSS,
We note with hope and optimism the recent public statement made by UPDF
calling for the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, originally signed by
PCJSS and Government of BD in 1997.
This remarkable development may represent a significant step forward toward
our common goal of peace and justice in the CHT.
We support all such steps toward this goal.
If we can continue to build a sustained focus on the achievement of peace and justice in the CHT,
a goal we all share, that in itself is a major achievement.
Sustaining that focus means that every step we take brings us closer to our goal.
We respect the right of every individual to hold their own values and visions and to share those values
and visions in a peaceful debate with others. When we extend this peaceful debate between groups
and parties, we have a meaningful democracy.
Allow us to support you and all those in favour of peace in the CHT as we take the steps together that bring us
closer to our common goal.
Kind regards,
Joyoti Grech
CHT Jumma Peoples Network of the Asia Pacific
We note with hope and optimism the recent public statement made by UPDF
calling for the implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, originally signed by
PCJSS and Government of BD in 1997.
This remarkable development may represent a significant step forward toward
our common goal of peace and justice in the CHT.
We support all such steps toward this goal.
If we can continue to build a sustained focus on the achievement of peace and justice in the CHT,
a goal we all share, that in itself is a major achievement.
Sustaining that focus means that every step we take brings us closer to our goal.
We respect the right of every individual to hold their own values and visions and to share those values
and visions in a peaceful debate with others. When we extend this peaceful debate between groups
and parties, we have a meaningful democracy.
Allow us to support you and all those in favour of peace in the CHT as we take the steps together that bring us
closer to our common goal.
Kind regards,
Joyoti Grech
CHT Jumma Peoples Network of the Asia Pacific
Meeting of Advisory Committee of MoCHT held
On 29 January 2009 meeting of the advisory committee of the Ministry of CHT Affairs (MoCHTA) was held at ministry's conference hall of Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka. Presided by State Minister of the ministry Dipankar Talukder, MP, the meeting was attended by following members of the Committee:
1) Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman of the CHT Regional Council
2) Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari constituency
3) Dr. Jagat Jyoti Chakma, Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council
4) Mr. Manindra Lal Tripura, Chairman of the Khagrachari Hill District Council
5) Mr. Thanzama Lushai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council
6) Mr. Chawhla Prue Chowdhury Jimi, representative of the Circle Chief of the Bohmang Circle
7) Mr. Saching Prue Chowdhury, Circle Chief of the Mong Circle
8) Md. Narunnabi, nominated by the government
9) Md. Shahjahan Molla, nominated by the government
10) Md. Azizur Rahman, nominated by the government
Other two members Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy and MP of Bandarban constituency Mr. Bir Bahadur were absent in the meeting. On the other, officials of the MoCHTA were present in the meeting.
Development of the CHT and implementation of the CHT Accord were the agenda of the meeting. State Minister Dipankar Talukder said that for the sake of implementation of the CHT Accord, the development of the CHT should be accelerated. He reiterated that government would implement the Accord.
Participating in the discussion, CHTRC Chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma opined that sustainable development depended on law and order situation and general administration. However, the law and order situation in CHT was not favourable to the development. Terrorist activities including kidnapping, extortion etc were going on through the CHT. He also said that military forces have been continuing to influence the generaladministration in CHT. He expressed that as per CHT Accord, military forces including de facto military rule 'Operation Uttoron' should be withdrawn first for the sake of good governance and sustainable development of CHT.
Chairmen of the three HDCs said that lack of coordination of development activities of the CHT institutions was continuing in CHT. Development activities of CHT have been hindered due to lack of coordination. They opined that development activities of all the CHT institution should be coordinated in proper way.
Though the agenda on implementation of CHT Accord was set for discussion, however, concrete discussion was not made on this issue. Finally the meeting was ended without concrete decision
1) Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, Chairman of the CHT Regional Council
2) Mr. Jatindra Lal Tripura, MP from Khagrachari constituency
3) Dr. Jagat Jyoti Chakma, Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council
4) Mr. Manindra Lal Tripura, Chairman of the Khagrachari Hill District Council
5) Mr. Thanzama Lushai, Chairman of the Bandarban Hill District Council
6) Mr. Chawhla Prue Chowdhury Jimi, representative of the Circle Chief of the Bohmang Circle
7) Mr. Saching Prue Chowdhury, Circle Chief of the Mong Circle
8) Md. Narunnabi, nominated by the government
9) Md. Shahjahan Molla, nominated by the government
10) Md. Azizur Rahman, nominated by the government
Other two members Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy and MP of Bandarban constituency Mr. Bir Bahadur were absent in the meeting. On the other, officials of the MoCHTA were present in the meeting.
Development of the CHT and implementation of the CHT Accord were the agenda of the meeting. State Minister Dipankar Talukder said that for the sake of implementation of the CHT Accord, the development of the CHT should be accelerated. He reiterated that government would implement the Accord.
Participating in the discussion, CHTRC Chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Santu Larma opined that sustainable development depended on law and order situation and general administration. However, the law and order situation in CHT was not favourable to the development. Terrorist activities including kidnapping, extortion etc were going on through the CHT. He also said that military forces have been continuing to influence the generaladministration in CHT. He expressed that as per CHT Accord, military forces including de facto military rule 'Operation Uttoron' should be withdrawn first for the sake of good governance and sustainable development of CHT.
Chairmen of the three HDCs said that lack of coordination of development activities of the CHT institutions was continuing in CHT. Development activities of CHT have been hindered due to lack of coordination. They opined that development activities of all the CHT institution should be coordinated in proper way.
Though the agenda on implementation of CHT Accord was set for discussion, however, concrete discussion was not made on this issue. Finally the meeting was ended without concrete decision
PRESS RELEASE
UN REVIEW OF BANGLADESH HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD AT UPR:
NGOS welcome pledge on war criminals trials, regret missed opportunity on CHT Accord and women’s rights, and rejection of Refugee Convention
On Tuesday 3 February, Bangladesh underwent its first Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council. During the 3 hour interactive dialogue, the Foreign Minister, Dipu Moni, presented a statement and responded to questions and heard recommendations from states.
A coalition of 17 human rights and development organisations (the UPR Forum) –including ASK, Steps, Nagorik Uddyog and Naripokkho 1-- welcomed declarations by the Bangladesh Government to ‘hold war crimes trials in consonance with international standards’, to ‘end the culture of impunity’ and to declare ‘zero tolerance for torture and extra-judicial killings’ and bring to account those found responsible for such acts, and ‘recognizing the high-handedness of certain agencies’. They also welcomed the holistic approach to considering both civil and political and economic and social and cultural rights.
Forum Members however regretted that – with the exception of these declarations – the Minister’s statement amounted largely to a rhetorical statements of principles, and failed to provide any clear time bound or actionable commitments on specific measures to be adopted to transform such statements into reality. In particular, they noted with dismay the lack of any reference to the CHT Accord or to specific measures for ensuring women’s rights or minority rights or indeed for advancing the rights to shelter, or for investigating allegations of human rights violations, in particular torture.
Forum Members condemned the Minister’s denial of the state’s obligations towards refugees and her reference to the Refugee Convention as being ‘outdated’ and to Bangladesh being ‘forced’ to accept refugees, indicating a lack of respect for international law, and one which is deeply unfortunate in terms of Bangladesh’s own birth having been marked by one of the largest refugee outflows in history.
Statement by Forum
We believe that this elected Government as the representative of the people, and given its overwhelming mandate, had a real opportunity at the UPR to clearly articulate before the international community commitments it has already made nationally to the people of Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that this opportunity was missed.
We had hoped that the Government’s statement at the UN would clearly reflect not only its own manifesto commitments but also build upon its own earlier demands while in opposition over the past seven years for implementation of human rights. Expectations were high that the Government would at the very least reiterate these commitments in the very special context in which the first UPR of Bangladesh was taking place.
The Minister’s overly generic presentation at this juncture is disappointing for those who had been anticipating a clear commitment to implementing human rights. It indicates that although the Government claims to be a government of change, it is still not making any concrete and timebound plans for change in the area of human rights.
This Government is expected to be reviewed on its commitments in four years time. But given the generic form of the statements made, it is unclear on what basis they will be reviewed or how progress will be measured.
We therefore urge the Government of Bangladesh:
To accept the recommendations made by states in the interactive dialogue and to make clear and time bound declarations of commitment that it will also reflect in the upcoming June session of the HRC. We draw particular attention to recommendations relating to
reform of discriminatory laws and strengthening actions and taking a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women
investigating extra judicial executions and torture by security forces and others
protection of minority rights, including through implementation of the CHT Accord
ensuring independence of the judiciary, strengthening the National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles, and the ACC
adopting a Child Labour Policy and Plan of Action on Child Sexual abuse
taking measures to reduce the effect of climate change and
withdrawing reservations on the core human rights treaties, as well as ratifying the Migrant Workers’ Convention, ILO 169 on Indigenous Peoples , the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Refugee Convention.
Issuing standing invitations to Special Rapporteurs to visit Bangladesh, in particular the Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions
To ensure that the UPR commitments are raised for consideration before the Parliament.
To establish standing mechanisms nationally to enable ongoing review and monitoring of Bangladesh’s UPR commitments and national obligations to protect human rights, through setting up a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Rights, and also through interactive dialogue with human rights organisations.
In Geneva:
Sayeed Ahmad at sayeed_bangla@yahoo.com
Zakir Hossain at zhossain@agni.com
In Dhaka:
Iftekharuzzaman, Transparency International Bangladesh at edtib@ti-bangladesh.org
Qumrunnesa Nazly Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) at nazlyq05@yahoo.com 8315851, 933 7173
Mamunur Rashid, Steps, at info@stepsbd.org
NGOS welcome pledge on war criminals trials, regret missed opportunity on CHT Accord and women’s rights, and rejection of Refugee Convention
On Tuesday 3 February, Bangladesh underwent its first Universal Periodic Review before the UN Human Rights Council. During the 3 hour interactive dialogue, the Foreign Minister, Dipu Moni, presented a statement and responded to questions and heard recommendations from states.
A coalition of 17 human rights and development organisations (the UPR Forum) –including ASK, Steps, Nagorik Uddyog and Naripokkho 1-- welcomed declarations by the Bangladesh Government to ‘hold war crimes trials in consonance with international standards’, to ‘end the culture of impunity’ and to declare ‘zero tolerance for torture and extra-judicial killings’ and bring to account those found responsible for such acts, and ‘recognizing the high-handedness of certain agencies’. They also welcomed the holistic approach to considering both civil and political and economic and social and cultural rights.
Forum Members however regretted that – with the exception of these declarations – the Minister’s statement amounted largely to a rhetorical statements of principles, and failed to provide any clear time bound or actionable commitments on specific measures to be adopted to transform such statements into reality. In particular, they noted with dismay the lack of any reference to the CHT Accord or to specific measures for ensuring women’s rights or minority rights or indeed for advancing the rights to shelter, or for investigating allegations of human rights violations, in particular torture.
Forum Members condemned the Minister’s denial of the state’s obligations towards refugees and her reference to the Refugee Convention as being ‘outdated’ and to Bangladesh being ‘forced’ to accept refugees, indicating a lack of respect for international law, and one which is deeply unfortunate in terms of Bangladesh’s own birth having been marked by one of the largest refugee outflows in history.
Statement by Forum
We believe that this elected Government as the representative of the people, and given its overwhelming mandate, had a real opportunity at the UPR to clearly articulate before the international community commitments it has already made nationally to the people of Bangladesh. It is unfortunate that this opportunity was missed.
We had hoped that the Government’s statement at the UN would clearly reflect not only its own manifesto commitments but also build upon its own earlier demands while in opposition over the past seven years for implementation of human rights. Expectations were high that the Government would at the very least reiterate these commitments in the very special context in which the first UPR of Bangladesh was taking place.
The Minister’s overly generic presentation at this juncture is disappointing for those who had been anticipating a clear commitment to implementing human rights. It indicates that although the Government claims to be a government of change, it is still not making any concrete and timebound plans for change in the area of human rights.
This Government is expected to be reviewed on its commitments in four years time. But given the generic form of the statements made, it is unclear on what basis they will be reviewed or how progress will be measured.
We therefore urge the Government of Bangladesh:
To accept the recommendations made by states in the interactive dialogue and to make clear and time bound declarations of commitment that it will also reflect in the upcoming June session of the HRC. We draw particular attention to recommendations relating to
reform of discriminatory laws and strengthening actions and taking a comprehensive approach to addressing violence against women
investigating extra judicial executions and torture by security forces and others
protection of minority rights, including through implementation of the CHT Accord
ensuring independence of the judiciary, strengthening the National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles, and the ACC
adopting a Child Labour Policy and Plan of Action on Child Sexual abuse
taking measures to reduce the effect of climate change and
withdrawing reservations on the core human rights treaties, as well as ratifying the Migrant Workers’ Convention, ILO 169 on Indigenous Peoples , the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Refugee Convention.
Issuing standing invitations to Special Rapporteurs to visit Bangladesh, in particular the Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions
To ensure that the UPR commitments are raised for consideration before the Parliament.
To establish standing mechanisms nationally to enable ongoing review and monitoring of Bangladesh’s UPR commitments and national obligations to protect human rights, through setting up a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Rights, and also through interactive dialogue with human rights organisations.
In Geneva:
Sayeed Ahmad at sayeed_bangla@yahoo.com
Zakir Hossain at zhossain@agni.com
In Dhaka:
Iftekharuzzaman, Transparency International Bangladesh at edtib@ti-bangladesh.org
Qumrunnesa Nazly Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) at nazlyq05@yahoo.com 8315851, 933 7173
Mamunur Rashid, Steps, at info@stepsbd.org
UN Reviews Bangladesh Human Rights Record Today
The Human Rights Council will today review Bangladesh’s human rights record for the four period 2004-2008. This is the first time that Bangladesh’s record is being reviewed as part of the UN’s newly established Universal Periodic Review.
A high-level Bangladesh Government delegation, including Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, is attending the session. The Minister will make a presentation responding to a list of written questions from other states, and then take part in an interactive dialogue with other states. Ms Munira Khan, Member of the National Human Rights Commission is also attending the session.
A coalition of 17 human rights and development organisations from Bangladesh (the UPR Forum), of which Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), is the Secretariat, is participating in the Review Process. The Forum team is led by Advocate Sultana Kamal and includes Sara Hossain, Sayeed Ahmad (ASK)< Milan Das (Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement), Zakir Hossain (Nagorik Uddyog), Ranjan Karmaker (Steps), Farida Yeasmin (ASK) and Pratikar Chakma.1
Key concerns raised by the Forum include impunity for war crimes, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detention and torture, forced evictions, restrictions on freedom of expression through arbitrary use of contempt and defamation laws, discriminatory laws and practices (particularly impacting on women’s rights, minority rights and dalit rights, rights of persons with disabilities), lack of protection for migrant workers, and lack of implementation of the CHT Accord.
NGO dialogues with other states indicated that issues to be raised during the interactive dialogue may focus on impunity, freedom of expression and of the press, human rights defenders, women’s rights, disability rights, dalit rights and CHT Accord implementation.
The Outcome Document based upon this review, will be presented by the Human Rights Council on 5 February.
For the Forum report see p://www.drishtipat.org/blog/2008/10/07/upr-2008/
For the Forum’s List of Issues see www.nuhr.org
For further information, contact:
Sayeed Ahmad sayeed_bangla@yahoo.com 41-(0) 767289251
Zakir Hossain, zhossain@agni.com, 41-(0) 767363785
A high-level Bangladesh Government delegation, including Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, is attending the session. The Minister will make a presentation responding to a list of written questions from other states, and then take part in an interactive dialogue with other states. Ms Munira Khan, Member of the National Human Rights Commission is also attending the session.
A coalition of 17 human rights and development organisations from Bangladesh (the UPR Forum), of which Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), is the Secretariat, is participating in the Review Process. The Forum team is led by Advocate Sultana Kamal and includes Sara Hossain, Sayeed Ahmad (ASK)< Milan Das (Bangladesh Dalit and Excluded Rights Movement), Zakir Hossain (Nagorik Uddyog), Ranjan Karmaker (Steps), Farida Yeasmin (ASK) and Pratikar Chakma.1
Key concerns raised by the Forum include impunity for war crimes, extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detention and torture, forced evictions, restrictions on freedom of expression through arbitrary use of contempt and defamation laws, discriminatory laws and practices (particularly impacting on women’s rights, minority rights and dalit rights, rights of persons with disabilities), lack of protection for migrant workers, and lack of implementation of the CHT Accord.
NGO dialogues with other states indicated that issues to be raised during the interactive dialogue may focus on impunity, freedom of expression and of the press, human rights defenders, women’s rights, disability rights, dalit rights and CHT Accord implementation.
The Outcome Document based upon this review, will be presented by the Human Rights Council on 5 February.
For the Forum report see p://www.drishtipat.org/blog/2008/10/07/upr-2008/
For the Forum’s List of Issues see www.nuhr.org
For further information, contact:
Sayeed Ahmad sayeed_bangla@yahoo.com 41-(0) 767289251
Zakir Hossain, zhossain@agni.com, 41-(0) 767363785
Jumma Peoples Network UK
PCJSS leader Shaktipara Tripura arrested by police in Dhaka
* CHT leader sent to prison **A Dhaka court on Saturday sent to jail a Chittagong Hill Tracts leader, who had been on the run since two cases had been filed against him on charges of arms and currency smuggling in 2007. Read full story -- http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=74596&cid=2
Ranglai Mro still handcuffedWaits to get bail order
Staff CorrespondentHandcuffed to his hospital bed, indigenous leader Ranglai Mro, who was brutally tortured, has been waiting 15 days for his bail order documents to reach the jail authorities from the High Court (HC).Please visit for details: http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=72546
* CHT leader sent to prison **A Dhaka court on Saturday sent to jail a Chittagong Hill Tracts leader, who had been on the run since two cases had been filed against him on charges of arms and currency smuggling in 2007. Read full story -- http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=74596&cid=2
Ranglai Mro still handcuffedWaits to get bail order
Staff CorrespondentHandcuffed to his hospital bed, indigenous leader Ranglai Mro, who was brutally tortured, has been waiting 15 days for his bail order documents to reach the jail authorities from the High Court (HC).Please visit for details: http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=72546
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