Agartala, September 21: The Tripura Chakma Students’ Association organized a large rally in Agartala on Saturday to protest the alleged atrocities and killings of indigenous populations in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) by the army.
The rally comes in the wake of increased violence against minorities and indigenous communities following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government over a month ago.
Starting from Swami Vivekananda Maidan here the demonstrators marched through the city, carrying placards, posters, and banners.
They raised slogans condemning the escalating attacks, arson, and killings in the CHT, where hundreds of indigenous people, particularly from the minority Buddhist Chakma community, have reportedly been targeted.
Protesters emphasized that the violence has intensified in recent weeks, allegedly under the direction of the Bangladeshi army.
The rally saw participation not only from Chakma youth but also from various Buddhist organizations, reflecting widespread concern over the attacks on minorities, including the Buddhists, in Bangladesh.
The demonstrators called for an immediate end to the violence and urged authorities in both countries to take action.
On Friday, Chakma leaders in India addressed a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the Indian government to downgrade its diplomatic relations with the interim government in Bangladesh.
The letter cited ongoing violent attacks allegedly orchestrated by the Bangladeshi military.
According to the Chakma leaders, at least nine members of the indigenous hill tribes were killed two days ago, and over 100 homes and shops belonging to the Chakma community were set on fire in Boalkhali and Dighinala Sadar in Khagrachari district.
The rally in Agartala reflects growing concern among the Buddhist, especially the Chakma community and their supporters over the deteriorating situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with demands for international attention and swift intervention to prevent further violence.
