To Bangladesh Embassy

To Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
c/o A.K.M. Majibur Rahman Bhuiyan,Ambassador to JapanDear Madam,

We would like to express our deep concern regarding the communal violence in Ramgarh and Manikchari sub-districts of Khagrachari district on Sunday, 17 April 2011 that resulted in the death of 3 Bengali people, injuries to about 20 Bengali and indigenous people, and the burning of several dozen houses of both communities including a Buddhist temple. We are appalled by reports that many indigenous people traveling on public buses were subjected to retaliatory violence shortly after, and that some of them remain missing. We severely condemn such acts of indiscriminate violence, for which there can be no justification.  We are also profoundly disturbed by allegations that military personnel patrolling nearby failed to take action against the arson attacks and that Border Guard Bangladesh personnel turned a blind eye when the travelers were beaten up.

This incident repeats a pattern of communal violence that has escalated to disturbing levels recently in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.  It comes only two months after the 17 February 2011 arson attack in Gulshakhali Union, Langadu, Rangamati that was triggered by death of a Bengali man and left 23 houses burned and two hill people seriously injured, and just one year since the arson attacks of 19-23 April 2010 in Baghaichari and Khagrachari that left at least 2 indigenous and 1 Bengali person dead and more than 500 homes in ashes.  In each case, unresolved land disputes created a flashpoint for indiscriminate violence and arson, which spread rampant despite the large presence of security personnel in the vicinity.  The lack of independent inquiries and legal action against the perpetrators of such incidents is also a matter of great concern.  The delay in resolution of land disputes by the land commission and in implementation of the CHT Accord has created an explosive situation in which local people are taking matters into their own hands.

In light of the above, we call upon your government to take the following actions on an urgent basis: 

1)    To conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the April 17^th incident and its causes, and to take stern legal action against those responsible.  To scrutinize the role of concerned military, civil and law enforcement authorities, and hold accountable any personnel found negligent or complicit. 

2)    To provide relief and rehabilitation to all victims of the arson and violence, and to allow free access of citizens, NGOs, donor agencies, etc., to provide relief to the victims.  To confirm the whereabouts and safety of persons missing after the incident. 

3)    To conduct in-depth, impartial investigations into the arson attacks of 17 February 2011 in Langadu and 19-23 April 2010 in Baghaichari/Khagrachari, to publicly disclose the findings, and punish those found responsible.

4)    To amend the CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001 as per the recommendations of the CHT Regional Council, so that the Land Commission can resolve land disputes properly without further delay. 

5)    To declare a roadmap for implementation of all provisions of the CHT Accord in accordance with your government's election manifesto. 

We look to your government to fulfill its promises to fully implement the CHT Accord and promote rule of law so that such incidents can be avoided in the future.

 With deepest respect,