Basel/New Delhi: The Global Association for Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (GAIPCHT) has called for immediate action against Major Masud Rana of the 6th East Bengal Regiment of the Bangladesh Army for allegedly issuing death threats to indigenous Chakma leaders in Sajek Union who were attempting to build a private college.
In a formal statement, GAIPCHT urged Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar Uz Zaman to initiate proceedings under the Army Act of 1952.
The association cited violations under Section 27 (offences against property or persons), Section 29 (housebreaking, false alarms, and unauthorized disclosures), and Section 41 (disgraceful conduct).
GAIPCHT contrasted the alleged threats with the construction of the “Darus Salam Jame Masjid” by the Bangladesh Army in the same area—on forest land, which they claimed was a violation of the Forest Act of 1927.
Sajek Union, home to around 33,000 indigenous people, is one of the most remote and underdeveloped regions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
In early 2025, community members initiated the construction of a college using limited resources.
However, the project was halted after alleged threats from Major Rana, who commands the Baghaihat Army Zone.
The region has seen extensive militarization and tourism-driven development.
On February 24, 2025, a massive fire destroyed about 45 resorts, 40 restaurants, and 60 houses in Sajek, according to hotel owners.
The association also recalled the violence of February 2010, when six indigenous Chakmas were killed and religious structures were destroyed during a military crackdown aimed at transforming Sajek into a tourism hub.
While the area has no significant Muslim settler population, the military constructed a mosque atop a mountain at the cost of US$316,000 for visiting tourists.
The foundation was laid by then GOC of the 24th Infantry Chittagong Division, Major General SM Matiur Rahman.
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“The Bangladesh Army illegally built a mosque on forest lands but the same racist and religious fanatic army is now threatening indigenous peoples with death for trying to establish a private college on their own lands,” said Sanchay Chakma, Swiss Representative of GAIPCHT.
The association has appealed to Chief Advisor Prof. Mohammad Yunus and Education Advisor Prof. C. R. Abrar to intervene and ensure that no obstacles hinder the construction of the college.
It also urged the UN Special Rapporteurs on education and indigenous rights, as well as the diplomatic community, to take note of what it described as racist actions by the Bangladesh government.
