South Asians for Human Rights

Promoting Democracy, Upholding Human Rights

A number of organisations, including rights bodies, yesterday condemned the rape of two Tripura girls in Lama upazila of Bandarban.

In a statement, Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Kazi Reazul Hoque expressed his grave concern over the incident, and called upon the authorities concerned to conduct a fair investigation of the cases to ensure justice.  

He said, “I call upon the authorities and law enforcers to take necessary steps to ensure safety of the women from ethnic minorities in Chittagong Hill Tracts.”

Two Tripura girls, aged 12 and 17, were allegedly raped by two members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Wednesday night.

In a case filed on August 23 with Lama Police Station, the girls said a third BGB man stood guard as they were raped in a bush not far from their village.

Meanwhile, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) yesterday demanded proper investigation into the rape of the two minors, UNB reported.

The human rights body, in a press statement, said, “The recent incidents of rape, torture and murder of children and girls in the hill areas made us extremely anxious.”

“In many cases, there have been allegations against members of the security forces and we urge the authorities to bring the culprits to book,” it added.

The rights body also urged the authorities concerned to ensure proper treatment of the two indigenous girls.

In another statement, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP) strongly commended and expressed concern over the incident.

The statement, jointly signed by BMP President Ayesha Khanam and its Acting General Secretary Seema Moslem, demanded a fair investigation and proper punishment for the culprits involved in the incident.

Also in a joint statement, leaders of Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samity and Hill Women’s Federation sought exemplary punishment of the rapists and demanded proper compensation to the victims and full security of them and their families.

The statement was signed by General Secretary of Parbatya Chattagram Mahila Samity Suprava Chakma and General Secretary of Hill Women’s Federation Ashika Chakma.

Claiming that at least nine incidents of sexual violence have taken place since June, they said since the perpetrators are not punished, sexual violence against indigenous women and girls has been on the rise alarmingly.

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/

Updated On: August 27, 2018