Urgent Appeal to Address the Mass Attacks Agains
Urgent Appeal to Address the Mass Attacks Against Indigenous People in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Urgent Appeal to Address the Mass Attacks Against Indigenous People in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, BangladeshDate: September 21, 2024Dear Colleagues and Partners,We, the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), along with concerned organizations and individuals, urgently appeal to NGOs and human rights groups worldwide to raise the critical issue of mass attacks against Indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, particularly in Diginala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. The ongoing violence, marked by arson, looting, and alleged gunfire targeting Indigenous villagers, has resulted in multiple deaths, severe injuries, and the displacement of hundreds of families, creating an immediate humanitarian crisis.Summary of the Situation:On the night of September 19, 2024, Bengali Muslim settlers, allegedly supported by the Bangladesh Army, launched coordinated attacks against Indigenous communities. Over 100 homes and shops belonging to Indigenous people were set ablaze in Diginala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati, displacing hundreds and destroying their livelihoods. Disturbing eyewitness accounts and video footage show continuous gunfire throughout the night, reportedly aimed at Indigenous villagers, causing widespread panic and endangering lives.Multiple allegations have surfaced that members of the Bangladesh Army were directly involved in firing on Indigenous people during these attacks. Eyewitnesses describe uniformed personnel shooting at villagers rather than protecting them. Videos circulating on social media show what appears to be Army personnel firing at night in areas inhabited by Indigenous communities, exacerbating fears and a sense of abandonment among the victims.Reports confirm that at least three Indigenous individuals—Junan Chakma, Dhananjay Chakma, and Rubel Tripura—have died from injuries sustained during the attacks, with many others wounded, some with gunshot injuries. Despite the presence of security forces, Indigenous communities have been left unprotected, and the alleged involvement of the Army intensifies the sense of injustice and fear.Our Urgent Appeal:We call upon international NGOs and human rights organizations to:Advocate for Global Awareness and Action: Raise international awareness of the ongoing crisis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts through your networks, campaigns, and platforms to mobilize global pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities.Support Calls for Independent Investigation: Join us in demanding a transparent, independent investigation into the attacks, including the alleged involvement of the Bangladesh Army and other security forces, to ensure accountability for these violations.Provide Immediate Humanitarian Assistance: Coordinate with local partners to deliver emergency humanitarian aid, including food, medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation support for the displaced Indigenous communities.Protect Indigenous Rights and Prevent Further Violence: Advocate for the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights and work to prevent further atrocities through policy recommendations, advocacy at international forums, and direct engagement with the Government of Bangladesh.The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts reflects a long history of systemic discrimination and violence against Indigenous people. It is imperative that the global community, including NGOs and human rights organizations, act swiftly to support the victims and hold perpetrators accountable.We urge you to join us in this critical effort to address the ongoing violence, provide essential support to the victims, and work towards ensuring justice and safety for the Indigenous communities of Bangladesh.Thank you for your prompt attention and support.Sincerely,Dhiman D. Chowdhury, PresidentHuman Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)An NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the UNEmail: dhiman@hrcbm.orgWebsite: www.hrcbm.org