Bring violators of indigenous people's rights to justice

Numerous cases of human rights violation committed by law enforcement agencies with impunity provided by the government is contrary to the laws of the country and should be brought to justice, said the speakers at the launch of the report on Indigenous People's Human Rights in Bangladesh 2007-08.
The report, published by Kapaeeng Foundation with the support of Oxfam, said serious cases of human rights violation of indigenous people include extra-judicial killing, arbitrary arrest, torture, harassment, religious persecution, arson and displacement by land grabbers.
During the last two years, three people died in military custody, three were killed by settlers and land grabbers, about 50 activists and 20 farmers were arrested, two monks were detained, eight people were tortured in custody and eight women were raped, it added.
The report said 15 incidents of land grabbing and arson by settlers, armed forces, NGOs and private companies also took place during the period.
The report was formally launched by Priyanka Simsang, daughter of slain Chalesh Ritchil of Madhupur who died in military custody, and Ranglai Mro, indigenous rights activist from Bandarban who was arrested allegedly on false charges in 2007.
Speaking on the occasion Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi Forum, demanded apology from the government on various incidents of human rights violation by state forces during the last two years.
Barrister Sara Hossain said the issues of human rights violation of indigenous people should be taken to the higher court.
The victims should be compensated, not only by the government but also by the persons directly involved in the incidents.
According to the census of 1991, around 1.2 million indigenous people live in Bangladesh and the total number of indigenous ethnic groups is 27.
Non-government bodies however put the number of groups in between 40 to 50 with around three million population.
Pankaj Bhattacharya, presidium member of Gono Forum, laid emphasis on re-establishing the secular nature of the constitution.
Without a secular constitution it would be impossible to ensure equal rights of the minority communities, he added.
Chakma Circle Chief Raja Devasish Roy said implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord and constitutional recognition of indigenous people are necessary to ensure their rights.
He said the definition of human rights has an expanded meaning in the case of indigenous people.
Their rights to religion, language and culture should be ensured along with basic, political and economic rights.
The programme was chaired by Rabindranath Soren, chairperson of Kapaeeng Foundation, while Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, former vice chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, was the chief guest.
Shahriar Kabir, president of Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee, Rokeya Kabir, executive director of Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha, Mangal Kumar Chakma of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity, and Alexius Chicham of Oxfam also spoke on the occasion.