Report in The Daily Star,13 Oct 2022
Several UN special rapporteurs have written to the government about the death of an indigenous activist allegedly in the hands of security forces, revealed a document released by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights yesterday.
The letter was sent by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples; Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression on August 10 this year.
The letter sought information on the alleged torture and custodial death of Nabayan Chakma Milon, a 47-year-old indigenous political activist, in Dighinal of Khagrachhari on March 15 this year.
The letter said that Milon was detained during a raid at Monibhodro Karbari Para, Baganpara area, Ward 1 of Dighinala on March 15, at 2:30 in the morning.
“Milon’s hands and legs were tied and he was thrown to the ground. He was repeatedly beaten with sticks and guns and dragged on the ground,” said the letter.
“According to Milon’s death certificate, he was admitted to Dighinala Sadar Hospital at 8.35am and pronounced dead at 8.55am,” it added.
“Additionally, it has been brought to our attention that the indigenous peoples and indigenous rights activists, as well as indigenous political activists, have repeatedly been subjected to alleged arbitrary arrest, torture, deprivation of life and enforced disappearance in CHT (Chattagram Hill Tracts). The legal requirements such as obtaining warrants for search and/or arrest, are not being followed (in such cases).”
They called for an immediate investigation into Milon’s death and asked the government to provide them with the details of the incident.
“Although the Peace Accord — signed in 1997 by the government — specifically called for the demilitarisation of the Chittagong Hills area, the region remains under military control and the human rights violations of indigenous peoples are systematic and ongoing,” said the letter.
“Please provide information on what Bangladesh has done to combat widespread and routine commission of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officials, including against indigenous peoples, in order to comply with its international human rights obligations,” the letter posed the question.
Two months have gone by since the letter was sent. However, the government is yet to reply.
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/rights/news/systematic-violation-human-rights-3141336
