Bangladesh: Violent Muslim dispossession of minorities' land

Source: Spero News

A village in Bangladesh was burned down and dozens of indigenous people have been injured and driven from Ragipara in the mountain district of Rangamati. According to sources at the Catholic Diocese of Chittagong, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian ethnic minorities were beset by Muslim marauders over the last week.

According to the Commission for Justice and Peace operated by Bangladeshi Christians, more than 300 Muslim settlers on February 17 dispossessed the indigenous villagers and seized their crop land. The Muslim settlers were backed by local police who legitimized the violence. Other cases like this (of attacks on tribal members and private land) have been recorded in recent days in the area of Gulishakhali. The Muslims settlers subjected their indigenous neighbors to the dispossession under the pretext of revenge, following the still unresolved death of Ali Saber - a Muslim found death in Ragiparam.

Rampaging Muslims then entered the non-Muslim village. According to an eyewitness, "They set fire to our homes and our small shops.” An attorney for the dispossessed indigenous people, King Devasish Roy, wrote an open letter to the civil authorities and to the National Commission for Human Rights for Bangladesh, reporting the incident and noting “the complicity of the police.” The letter called for an investigation into the incident in Ragipara including the identification and punishment of the guilty, urging the Government to protect and safeguard the rights of citizens, members of ethnic or religious minorities.

Living conditions for ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh are very difficult and their human rights are continually denied and trampled on, states the Hotline Human Rights Bangladesh” (HHRB). The HHRB was established with the support of the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic bishops of Bengal, as a monitor of human rights. A recent assembly held in Dhaka, organised in collaboration with the “Resource Centre for Christian Youth in Bangladesh”, sounded the alarm that ethnic and religious minority groups - including Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities – suffer daily discrimination, abuse and violence from other Muslim citizens (a large majority in the country), and even from police officers and public administration.

According to the framework outlined by HHRB, minorities are often unduly defrauded of the land they have cultivated or houses they have lived in for centuries; women suffer rapes, kidnappings, forced conversions and marriages; the non-Muslim citizens are discriminated against in seeking work and education. “Their basic human rights are openly and continuously violated and no one intervenes,” notes the organisation.

The more than 100 participants at the meeting, from different districts, shared their common difficulties, also recalling abuses by police or government officers. For this they ask the Government that all Bangladeshi citizens, from any ethnic or religious group, enjoy equal rights and equal opportunities, that they stop the oppression and discrimination that “relegates non-Muslims to second-class citizens.”

In Bangladesh, of a population of about 165 million people, Muslims are more than 85%, 10% are Hindus, Buddhists 0.6%, and Christians 0.3%. Among the tribal minorities, the main ethnic groups are the Oroun and the Santal. The minorities, not given consideration or coverage in any way by the Constitution, have little chance of development and emancipation.

Source: FIDES

Massive communal attack on Jumma villages by Bengali settlers with the support of security forces in Longadu

Source: PCJSS

23 houses burnt to ashes, 2 injured

On 17 February 2011 around 5.30 pm, following the death of a Bengali settler, the Bengali settlers numbering 200-250 from Gulshakhali settler area of Gulshakhali union under Longadu upazila in Rangamati district in collaboration with Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) (formerly BDR) made a massive communal attack on Jumma villages of Gulshakhali and Rangi Para areas. It is learnt that at least 23 houses of Jumma villagers including one BRAC school were reportedly burnt to ashes in the attack while two Jumma students were seriously injured in another attack made at Tintilya launchghat in Longadu at noon.

It is learnt that on 15 February 2011 in the morning two Bengali settlers named Md. Saber Ali (33) s/o Nehat Ali and Md. Sahid (35) s/o Julya Pagala from settler’s village- Rahamatpur of Gulshakhali union went to nearby jungle of Gulshakhali area to collect flower-broom (a kind of natural broom). Of them, Md. Sahid returned to home, however, Md. Saber Ali went missing. On 16 February 2011 around 10.00 am police and BGB recovered dead body of Saber Ali from Rangi Para area and brought it to police station of Longadu headquarter at 3:00 pm.

It is learnt that Saber Ali was suffering from epilepsy. So, locals including the administration guessed that Saber Ali might die due his illness. Witnesses also confirmed that no injury was found on dead body. However, in the evening time around 5.30 pm, Bengali settlers spread communal tension alleging Jumma villagers responsible for the death of Saber Ali and brought out processions separately at Gulshakhali bazar and Choumuhani bazar. Bengali settlers also brought out another procession at Longadu headquarter area at night about 12.00 pm.

On 17 February 2011 the Bengali settlers again began to spread communal agitation in the areas since morning. At a stage, at 11:00 am the Bengali settlers led by Khalilur Rahaman Khan, president of Bangalee Student Council and one Abdur Rahim (journalist) brought out a procession at Longadu headquarter. Police and local administration did nothing to stop spreading communal tension. No sooner ending of procession, at about 1.00 pm, two Jumma passengers (students) who came from Rangamati by a launch were attacked by Bengali settlers at Tintilyaghat of Longadu headquarter. They (Jumma students) were severely injured. They were identified as-

(1) Mr. Apolo Chakma (20) s/o Mono Ranjan Chakma of Sijakmukh area of Baghaichari upazila

(2) Mr. Mangal Moy Chakma (15) s/o Daya Mohan Chakma of Simana Para of Barkal upazila

Later, the injured students were admitted to Rangamati general hospital.

Afterwards, at about 5:00 pm the Bengali settlers again began to gather and at a stage with a group numbering 200-250 made attack on Jumma villages and set fire to the Jumma houses one after another. In the attack, at least 23 Jumma houses including one BRAC school were burnt to ashes. The BGB did nothing to stop the Bengali settlers from setting fire on Jumma houses.

Bengali settlers first set fire on the houses of Sukra Chakma and Amiya Kanti Chakma of Rangi Para. Then Jumma villagers gathered themselves and tried to defend the remaining houses and facing off the settlers. Jumma leaders also informed the local administration including police. However, no action was taken by the administration to stop Bengali settlers from attack.

On the other, a group of BGB of Rangipara Tematha camp led by Habildar Jahangir under Rajnagar BGB zone rushed there at that time and Bengali settlers increased their attack soon after arrival of BGB personnel.

Bengali settlers then proceeded to Gulshakhali village and set fire on Jumma houses indiscriminately. Jumma villagers alleged that BGB personnel supported the Bengali settlers while setting fire to the Jumma houses. Till 7.00 pm on 17 February Bengali settlers burnt down at least 23 houses of Jumma villagers in two villages (Please find the attachment for detailed list of houses burnt to ashes).

Besides, a BRAC school was burnt to ashes and 45 pieces of CIT sheets that was stored by UNICEP for building a school were looted.

The culprits and miscreants who led and made the Bengali settlers to attack and setting fire on Jumma villages were identified as follows:

(1) Wajed Ali, Chairman of Bagachatar union;

(2) Rahim, Chairman of Gulshakhali union;

(3) Amir Hossain Molla (55) s/o unknown of village- Boiragi bazar of Bagachatar union;

(4) Samsu Sardar (55) s/o unknown of Thegapara of Bagachatar union;

(5) Mannan Sardar (50) s/o unknown of Rangipara of Bagachatar union;

(6) Salauddin (30) s/o unknown of Rangipara of Bagachatar union.

It is mentionable that the Bengali settlers who were brought from plain lands and settled down at Gulshakhali, Bogachadar and Kalapagujya areas under Longadu upazila in 1980s have been trying to grab the lands of Jumma people. As a part of this attempt, on 21 December 2010 the Bengali settlers made attack on Jumma village of Shanti Nagar and inhumanly beat 14 Jumma villagers and ransacked 5 houses motivatedly alleging Jumma villagers to beat a Bengali settler who went to jungle to collect firewood.

It is suspected that Saber Ali might be killed by Bengali settlers to create lame excuse for making attack on Jumma peoples. Bengali settlers fabricatedly spread that there were several injuries on dead body. However, a doctor, who made dead body post-mortem and wished not to be named, said that no injury was found.

Indigenous rights groups demand consultation with IPOs in enacting the Forest Act and Wildlife Act

Source: Kapaeeng Foundation

On 25 January 2011 indigenous rights organisations namely CHT Citizens’ Committee, CHT Forest and Land Rights Protection Movement, CHT Headmen Networks and Kapaeeng Foundation submitted memorandum to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Forest Ministry through Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati hill district demanding consultation by the government with indigenous peoples including their organisations and CHT Regional Council and Hill District Councils before passage of these Acts in the parliament. The memorandum was signed by 21 indigenous leaders from different organisations.

Indigenous rights organisations also organised press conference at Hotel Roof in Rangamati demanding the same. Mr. Goutam Dewan from CHT Citizens’ Committee, Mr. Sudatta Bikash Tanchangya from CHT Forest and Land Rights Protection Movement, Mr. Swdesh Priti Chakma from CHT Headmen Networks and Mr. Udvasan Chakma from Kapaeeng Foundation were present in the press conference. Mr. Sudatta B Tanchangya read out the press statement of the four organisations.

It is mentionable that Government of Bangladesh drafted proposal of further amendment of Forest Act-1927 and enactment of Wildlife (Preservation) Act 2010 canceling the Wildlife (Preservation) Act 1973 and planned to pass these Acts during ongoing parliamentary session. However, though indigenous peoples are stakeholder of these Acts, but no consultation with indigenous peoples is made by the government.

An indigenous housewife raped by a group of Bengali settlers in Khagrachari

Source: Kapaeeng Foundation

On 26 January 2011 at mid-night an indigenous mother of 4 small children was raped by a group of unscrupulous miscreants at Porabari village of Taindong union under Matiranga sub-district in Khagrachari district.

It was learnt that at around 2 a.m., a group of 8/10 Bengali settlers led by Suruj Mian, Babul Mian and Babul’s younger brother from Muslim Para village went to rob Nityaranjan Tripura’s house at Porabari village. When Nityaranjan came to know about the robbers, he shouted out. But, soon after that, the goons tied him up at a corner in the house and raped his wife (35) one after another before him. Nityaranjan blamed that the miscreants took Tk. 16,000 cash, gold chain and all other valuables (including land documents) away from his house. Since then, the miscreants have been threatening the victim’s family to kill all of them if they would lodge any case against the miscreants.

On 28 January, a case was filed against the miscreants with Matiranga police station (Case No.-05) despite death threat. However, miscreants are yet to be arrested by the police. It was learnt that the victim was taken into Khagrachari Sadar Hospital for health checkup at around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

Protesting this incident, Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Students’ Council (PCP) and Bangladesh Indigenous Students’ Action Forum (BISAF) jointly brought out a protest demonstration at Dhaka University Campus ton 29 January 2011.

PCJSS demands amendment of LC Act during ongoing winter session of Parliament

Source: PCJSS

PCJSS organised public meeting, procession and submission of memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding amendment of CHT Land Dispute Commission Act 2001 as per CHT Accord and recommendation of CHT Regional Council during the ongoing winter session of Jatiya Sangsad (national parliament) and appointment of a competent person to the post of Chairmanship of Land Commission removing present Chairman retired justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury.

On 23 January 2011 PCJSS organised public meeting and procession at district and upazila (sub-district) level through out the CHT region and submission of memorandum to the Prime Minister through concerned Deputy Commissioner and Upazila Executive Officer.

Again, on 25 January 2011 PCJSS also organised public meeting and procession at Muktangan in Dhaka. Presided by organising secretary of PCJSS Mr. Shaktipada Tripura, Presidium Member of Gono Forum Mr. Pankaj Bhattachariya, presidium member of Workers’ Party of Bangladesh Md. Fazle Hossain Badshah MP, central member of BASAD Mr. Bazlur Rashid, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum Mr. Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of Jatiya Adivasi Parishad Mr. Rabindranath Soren, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Chhatra Sangram Parishad Mr. Batayan Chakma, president of PCP of Dhaka city unit Mr. Presenjit Chowdhury Sunny and president of Jatiya Adivasi Chhatra Parishad Harendranath Sing et el. Besides, general secretary of Workers’ Party of Bangladesh Mr. Anisur Rahman Mollick and central member of BASAD Mr. Rajekkujaman Ratan were present in the public meeting.

On the other, on 24 January 2011 human chain was organised by the indigenous people under the banner of the people from all walks of life in Khagrachari. They also submitted memorandum to Prime Minister through DC of Khagrachari. Besides, on 23 January 2011 CHT Citizens’ Committee, CHT Forest and Land Rights Protection Movement and CHT chapter of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum also participated in the human chain in Bandarban and submitted memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding the same.

It is mentionable that on 12 July 2001, just the day before the handing over charge to the Caretaker government, then Awami league government hurriedly passed the “CHT Land (Disputes Settlement) Commission Act 2001” in the parliament without taking into account the advice and recommendations given by the CHTRC. As a result, so many provisions crept into the Act which were contradictory to the CHT Accord and detrimental to the interest of the Jumma people. CHTRC sent recommendations to the government for amendment to the contradictory provisions of the CHT Land Commission Act 2001.

The inter-ministerial meeting held on 10 October 2010 in Rangamati presided over by Land Minister Rezaul Karim Hira decided to amend the LC Act as per recommendations of CHTRC. Further, 3rd meeting of CHT Accord Implementation Committee held on 26 December 2010 in Khagrachari adopted a decision to amend the Act in the next parliamentary session and then to start hearing of land dispute in CHT. Though winter session of Jatiya Sangsad has started from 25 January 2011, but no initiative for amendment of the Land Commission Act has been taken by government so far.

The present grand alliance government led by Awami League appointed retired Justice Khademul Islam as the chairman of the Land Commission in July 2009. After assuming in the office, Mr. Khademul Islam started in a dramatic fashion. He undertook a lightning tour of the three hill districts and convened meeting of the Commission for exchange of views. He used the Deputy Commissioners of the three hill district to issue letter calling upon the members to attend the meeting which was totally irregular. As the DCs are nobody of the Commission. On the other, the chairman of the Commission unilaterally declared to conduct land survey in the CHT without a decision to that effect in any of the meetings. However, CHT Accord provides to conduct survey after resolution of land dispute, rehabilitation of returnee Jumma refugees and internally Jumma displaced persons.

Despite the huge protest from the all sections of the citizens including CHTRC and PCJSS and also three circle chiefs, the Chairman of the Commission justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury continues his unilateral and controversial activities. In mid-July 2010 the secretary of Land Commission issued a notice to the CHT Affairs Ministry and Land Ministry to conduct cadastral survey in CHT soon; otherwise the ministries would be charged non-compliance with court order.

In addition, Mr. Chowdhury also unilaterally declared to start hearing of dispute from 27 December 2010 without discussion of members of the Commission.

With this backdrop, indigenous peoples and civic groups of the country have been demanding removal of justice Khademul Islam Chowdhury from the chairmanship of CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission.

Innocent Jumma villagers attacked by Bengali settlers in Longadu 2 Jummas injured, 12 beaten, 5 houses ransacked On 21 December 2010, innocent Jumma

Source: PCJSS

2 Jummas injured, 12 beaten, 5 houses ransacked

On 21 December 2010, innocent Jumma villagers of Shantinagar of Gulshakhali union under Longadu upazila (sub-district) of Rangamati hill district were attacked by a group of Bengali settlers from nearby Bengali settler areas. In this communal attack, 2 Jummas were injured, 12 were beaten and 5 houses were ransacked.
It is learnt that on that day early in the morning a group of Bengali settlers went to a nearby area belongs to Jumma villager to collect wood and bamboo. The Jumma villagers opposed them to collect wood and bamboo from their land and at a stage Jumma villagers beat one Bengali settler named Md. Imtaz (25) of village- Choumuhani area of Gulshakhali union. However, he could return to his home almost safely. But, soon after coming back home, he rapidly spread the news of the incident and tried to make the Bengali settlers agitated.
Around 12:00 to 1:00 pm a group of Bengali settlers numbering 33-35 equipped with sharp weapons made the communal attack on Jumma area of village- Shantinagar. In the attack, following 12 Jumma villagers were detained and beaten severely by the attackers:
(1) Mr. Dhak Badhi Chakma (25) s/o Dal mohan Chakma of village- Shantinagar;

(2) Mr. Binay Chandra Chakma Maratto (40) s/o Dal Mohan Chakma of village- do;

(3) Mr. Milan Chakma (30) s/o unknown of village- do;

(4) Mr. Ripan Chakm (25) s/o unknown of village- do;

(5) Mr. Samarpan Dewan (20) s/o Banu Dipak Dewan of village- do;

(6) Mr. Karun Chakma (37) s/o unknown of village- do;

(7) Mr. Bawm Chakma (43) s/o unknown of village- do;

(8) Mr. Himel Chakma (18) s/o Bivishon Chakma of village- do;

(9) Mr. Subha Shanti Chakma (23) s/o Bawm Chakma of village- do;

(10) Mr. Palash Chakma (18) s/o Mahendra Chakma of village- do;

(11) Mr. Riten Chakma s/o Rasik Mohan Chakma of village- do;

(12) Mr. Suman Chakma s/o Reboti Mohan Chakma of village- do.

Of the above victims, Mr. Dhak Badhi Chakma (25) and Mr. Binay Chandra Chakma Maratto (40) were injured severely and admitted to Longadu hospital. Besides, in the attack, the Bengali settlers ransacked following 5 houses:
(1) Mr. Barun Kumar Chakma s/o Sonaram Chakma;

(2) Mr. Raj Mohan Chakma s/o unknown;

(3) Mr. Kala Chiji Chakma s/o unknown;

(4) Mr. Bimal Shanti Chakma s/o unknown;

(5) Mr. Binay Chandra Chakma s/o Dal Mohan Chakma.

It is learnt that the following two persons led the whole attack:
(1) Mr. Abu Hanif (45), village- Juba Laxmi Para, member of No. 9 ward of Gulshakhali union council;

(2) Mr. Rufijuddin (40) s/o Khalekh, Member of No. 8 Rahamatpur ward of Gulshakhali union council.

It is learnt that BDR personnel of Raj Nagar camp did not oppose Bengali settlers while settlers were going to attack on Jumma villagers. At a stage, a group of BDR led by Lt. Colonel Habib with Major Aminul of BDR went there and saved the Jumma villagers from being beaten.
Later, an emergency meeting was arranged with the leaders concerned led by Lt. Colonel Habib and UNO. Mr. Sukhamoy Chakma, ex-UP Chairman, Mr. Premlal Chakma, President of Headman Association of Longadu, Mr. Moni Sankar Chakma, President of Juba Samiti of Longadu also attended the meeting on behalf of the Jumma community. In the meeting, the following decisions were made:
(1) A co-ordination meeting will be held on next 23 December 2010 in this regard;

(2) In the meantime, no Bengali person will be allowed to go to Jumma areas and no Jumma person will be allowed to go to Bengali areas without permission of the Zone Headquarter Commander Lt. Colonel Habib.

It is learnt that (1) Md. Abdur Rahim, general secretary of Longadu upazila Awami League, (2) Md. Halim, acting Headman of Gulshakhali mouza (Awami League leader) and (3) Abu Taleb, acting chairman of Gulshakhali union and also BNP leader was the main instigator and conspirator behind this entire communal provocation.
Further tension and gathering to attack
Though, it was a decision to hold a co-ordination meeting on 23 December 2010, the meeting was postponed and again determined to hold on 27 December 2010. In the meantime, on 24 December 2010 in the evening, the Bengali settlers again tried to create tension and make attack on nearby Jumma villagers of Shanti Nagar village. The Bengali settlers even gathered and proceeded towards the Jumma village. Jumma villagers also tried to gather in order to oppose the opponent. In this circumstance, Jumma leaders then informed UNO of the fact and requested to take urgent measure. Then, a group of BDR rushed to the spot and stopped the settlers and made them come back.
New BDR camp set up on Jumma land
Following the communal tension, on 23 December 2010 BDR set up a camp at middle place in between the Bengali settler village and Jumma village and a group of BDR numbering 30-32 of Raj Nagar BDR zone headquarter took their position there. BDR also cleared the bushes around the newly built camp that almost covers 5-6 acres of land. It is mentionable that the camp was set up on land belongs to two Jumma villagers with due records. BDR constructed the camp occupying a BRAC school and 2 houses of Jummas. The owners of the land are as follows:
(1) Santosh Chakma (35) s/o Bhulsing Chakma, village- Gyana Ratan Karbari Para, Shanti Nagar; case number of his land is 953.

(2) Sharat Chandra Chakma (38) s/o Madan Kumar Chakma, village- do; case number of his land is 1485.

(3) Mr. Nabin Kumar Chakma s/o Bhulsing Chakma, village- Gyana Ratan Karbari Para, Shanti Nagar

(4) Mr. Shanti Moni Chakma s/o Remesh Chandra, village- Gyana Ratan Karbari Para, Shanti Nagar, case no. of his land is 821

Jumma’s land grabbed by Bengali settlers
Following the attack, Bengali settlers led by Raju Khalifa (Rajnagar), Ramdan (VDR Nayek) and Alal (Rajnagar) have been trying to grab at least 30 acres of lands belong to 10 Jumma villagers. It is mentionable that Jumma villagers have been cultivating these lands for decades. Jumma villagers put objection to the BDR camp authority and local administration, but no action has been taken so far. If the land grabbing is continued, then 10 villages of 800 families numbering 8,000 Jummas will be uprooted from this area.
The owners of the lands whose lands have being tried to occupy by Bengali settlers-
1. Anil Chakma (25) s/o Maya Ranjan Chakma of Chato Malya

2. Sharat Kumar Chakma (35) s/o Thakur Chakma of Chato Malya

3. Sonadhan Chakma (35) s/o Ekanya Chakma of Chato Malya

4. Birbahu Chakma (45) s/o Indrajoy Chakma of Chato Malya

5. Sushil Kumar Chakma (50) s/o Sidalya Chakma of Chato Malya

6. Anil Chakma (45) s/o Batya Chakma of Chato Malya

7. Shambumoni Chakma (50) s/o late Sida Chakma of Chato Malya

8. Dayal Chakma (40) s/o Surendra Chakma of Chato Malya

9. Sura Lal Chakma (45) s/o Nalini Mohan Chakma of Chato Malya

10. Debendra Chakma (35) s/o Ramani Mohan Chakma of Chato Malya.

Source: PCJSS
(Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti)

PM's intervention sought to amend Vested Property Return Act-2001

Source: The Financial Express


Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Oikya Parisad Wednesday sought Prime Minister's intervention for further amendment to the proposed bill on Vested Property Return Act, 2001, reports BSS.

"The new proposed bill tabled in the Jatiya Sangsad on December 7, 2010 is not at all acceptable to us as it is more anti-people than the previous proposed bill," said Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, one of the presidium members of the Parisad, while addressing a press conference held at the city's Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.

He alleged that a vested quarter was engaged to foil the entire process to enact new law to settle the issue forever.

"We still believe that the PM wants to resolve the problem considering the seven-point unanimous proposal placed by the Parisad, but an interested quarter is continuously obstructing the move with ill motives," Mr Chowdhury added.

He said the PM has asked to send the bill to the Standing Committee on land ministry to make it acceptable by bringing necessary amendments.

"We are eagerly waiting and also appealing to the persons concerned to amend the bill in the light of seven points unanimous proposal," he urged.

Leaders of the Parisad Anil Chandra Nath, CR Sarker, Joyanta Deb, Tapas Paul, Milan Dutta and Nirmal Chattarjee were, among others, present on the occasion.