GUWAHATI: The Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) expressed dissatisfaction with the recent reshuffling of military personnel following the extrajudicial execution of four tribal youth leaders in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh.
The foundation, through a statement on Saturday, argued that the transfer of Brigadier General Mohammad Mohtashim Haider Chowdhury and the appointment of Brigadier General Sharif Mohammad Aman Hussain as the new Commander of the Khagrachari region, were insufficient responses to the grave incident.
The extrajudicial executions, which occurred on the night of December 11 at Anil Para Village, Panchari Police Station, Khagrachari, prompted public outrage and condemnation.
Reportedly, a group of masked vigilantes escorted by Bangladesh Army personnel, carried out the cold-blooded execution of Bipul Chakma, Organising Secretary of the Gonotantrik Jubo Forum; Sunil Bikash Tripura, former Vice President of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad; Liton Chakma, an executive member of the Gonotantrik Jubo Forum; and Rohin Bikash Tripura, a member of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), a regional political organisation in the CHTs.
Tejang Chakma, Director of the CDFI, asserted, “The execution of the four Jumma youth leaders with the help of the Bangladesh Army-backed vigilantes, locally known as Mukosh Bahini (masked force), was carried out by Major Zobayed Mohammad, Commander of the Panchari Upazilla Zone, while the fake rescue operation of three kidnapped was carried out by Col. Abul Hasnat Jewel, Commander of the Khagarachari Zone. These officers are still in place, and most importantly, the apparatus of the Bangladesh Army for extrajudicial executions and extortion through the vigilantes remains in place.”
In response to these developments, the CDFI demanded a thorough judicial inquiry into the extrajudicial executions.
They also called for investigation to be conducted by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible for the heinous act are brought to justice.
The foundation highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in addressing the grave human rights violations that have taken place in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
