Staff Reporter :
Mikey Chakma, a recently released activist from the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), has voiced concerns about the ongoing struggles of the indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
He asserts that despite the passage of time, the people of these regions have yet to experience true freedom and peace.
Chakma criticized the current government under Sheikh Hasina, accusing it of perpetuating fascism and allowing such ideologies to remain entrenched in the region. Chakma, who has recently been released from detention at Ayanagar, detailed the severe human rights abuses he endured over five years. He claims that the Chittagong Hill Tracts are still suffering under oppressive policies and that any attempts at reform have been insufficient.
The UPDF has presented an eight-point demand list to the interim government, seeking urgent reforms and interventions to address ongoing issues in the region:
Disclosure of Martyrs’ Names and Accountability: The government must immediately release the names of all those killed during the July-August student and public uprisings and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for these killings.
Release of UPDF Activists: All UPDF leaders and supporters currently detained in Khagrachari and Rangamati jails should be released. The government must cease re-arresting individuals post-bail and withdraw all false charges and warrants against them.
Dismantling of Repressive Groups: The government must disband newly formed repressive groups, such as the “Thyangar” and “Mog Party,” which are involved in murder, abduction, and terror. Perpetrators must be arrested and punished.
Formation of a Special Tribunal: A special tribunal should be established to investigate and prosecute all instances of murder and human rights violations committed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, including those at Swarnidhara and Panchhari. The UN should be involved in the investigation and judicial processes.
Reconstitution of Regional Councils: The three hill district councils and the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council should be restructured with non-partisan, honest, and competent individuals.
End of Ethnic Targeting: The ongoing operations against the KNF in Bandarban, which target the Bawm ethnic group, should be halted. All detained Bawm individuals, including women and children, must be released.
Action Against Sexual Violence: The perpetrators of the rape in Ruma and those involved in attempted rapes in Rangamati and Bandarban must be arrested and brought to justice.
Revocation of Military Control: The “Operation Uttaran” and other military directives must be revoked to end military rule. The government should take concrete steps towards a political resolution of the Chittagong Hill Tracts issue to create a democratic environment in the region.
The UPDF’s demands highlight the urgent need for political and administrative reforms in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to address long-standing grievances and to establish a peaceful and democratic environment.