Rangamati Arson: Amnesty Int'l for impartial probe
Amnesty International (AI) urged the Bangladesh government to initiate a thorough, impartial and independent investigation into the attacks on indigenous people in Rangamati's Longadu.
The human rights watchdog also recommended making the result of the investigation public.
“Ensure that those suspected to be responsible are prosecuted in fair and transparent trials, without resort to the death penalty," read an AI statement addressed to authorities in Bangladesh.
"Publicly condemn attacks against members of Indigenous People in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and take effective steps to prevent any recurrence of attacks and other measures to ensure protection of members of Indigenous People,” added the statement published on its website on Monday.
In another development, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday formed a three-member fact finding committee over the arson attack.
Following the death of a local Jubo League man, Bangalee settlers unleashed a series of arson attacks on the indigenous community in three villages on Friday over the death of a local Jubo League leader. Over 200 homes and shops were vandalised and burned after they were looted.
In its statement AI said, "Ensure that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly is respected, and that security forces do not use excessive force against protesters.
Investigate allegations of use of excessive force by security personnel against those protesting the Longadu violence, and hold those responsible to account,” it added.
NHRC's fact finding committee is headed by Banchita Chakma, honorary member of NHRC and includes NHRC Deputy Director Gazi Salauddin and Assistant Director Sajjadur Rahman.
The committee was asked to submit report within four working days, Kazi Reazul Hoque, NHRC chairman told The Daily Star.
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