JMBF Strongly Condemns Recent Sectarian Violence and Targeting of Ethnic Minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is appalled, deeply concerned, and outraged by the recent outbreak of brutal sectarian violence in the hill districts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati district in Bangladesh. This wave of violence has led to the tragic loss of lives, the forced displacement of hundreds of ethnic families, and the destruction of homes and places of worship.
The killing of at least four ethnic minority men by armymen, including Junan Chakma, Dhananjoy Chakma, and Rubel Tripura, and the arson attack on over 100 houses and businesses in Dighinala, Khagrachhari, represents a grave violation of human rights and human dignity.
JMBF strongly condemns these heinous acts of violence, which reflect an alarming rise in communal tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The systematic targeting of ethnic minorities, especially Buddhist communities, and the desecration of their religious sites is a flagrant violation of the principles of equality, freedom of belief, and justice. These principles must be safeguarded in any civilized society.
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JMBF calls on the government of Bangladesh to take immediate and decisive action to restore peace and ensure the protection of all vulnerable communities. A thorough investigation into the root causes of this violence is necessary, and those responsible for orchestrating and fueling this unrest must be held accountable and brought to justice.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist, and Chief Adviser of JMBF echoed this sentiment: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The world cannot stand by as ethnic minorities in Bangladesh are persecuted and driven from their homes. We demand accountability and immediate intervention to stop this cycle of violence.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, urges the international community to remain vigilant: “This targeted violence against ethnic minorities is a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights protections in Bangladesh. It is our collective responsibility to speak out and demand justice for those who have been marginalized and oppressed.”
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in solidarity with the ethnic minorities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We urge all stakeholders – local, national, and international – to work together to ensure peace, reconciliation, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all communities in Bangladesh.
To read the full statement online please visit the following link: https://www.jmbf.org/2024/09/statement-jmbf-strongly-condemns-recent_22.html
