Human Rights activists want eviction of Bangali settlers from CHT

via Dhaka Tribune on March 7, 2015

Khagrachari (CHT): Activists of different human rights bodies have suggested that eviction of Bangali settlers and army personnel would stop rape and torture on the women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

They made the suggestion while briefing the press over the recent gang rape incident of a pregnant housewife from the Marma community in Rangamati's Kaukkhali upazila.

While talking to journalists, Chittagong Hill Tracts Nari Sangha Chairman Sonali Chakma and Hill Women's Federation Chairman Nirupa Chakma said Bangali settlers and army personnel should be evicted immediately from Chittagong Hill Tracts in order to stop rape and torture on indigenous women.

On March 5, five Bangali settlers forcefully entered Ongsimong Marma's house in Headmanpara in Kaukkhali and beat him up. Later they raped his pregnant wife.

They also robbed their mobile phone. The next day when the victims went to file a case with the Kaukhali police station, the on-duty officer denied to file the case in the absence of the officer-in-charge.

“Such incidents were on the rise because the rapists were enjoying impunity,” said Sonali Chakma.

Reading out a statement by Hill Women's Federation Secretary Minaki Chakma, they also demanded exemplary punishment to the culprits.

Khagrachhari Golabari Mahila Samity Chairman Chameli Marma said the incident was shocking. She demanded a probe committee be formed to investigate the incident.

Bangladesh Marma Students Council's Information and Publicity Secretary Chaihau Marma said: “The inhuman act should be addressed immediately, otherwise tougher action would be taken."