HWF organises human chain on occasion of 12th abduction anniversary of Kalpana Chakma in Dhaka
On occasion of 12th abduction anniversary of Kalpana Chakma, on 12 June 2008 Hill Women's Federation (HWF) organised human chain at
The human chain with placards started at
10.30 in front of Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University with HWF secretary Ms. Shaswati Chakma
in the chair. Around 200 students, leaders of the student organisations, women
rights activists, human rights activists, environment activists etc
participated in the programme. Among others, president of Sammilita
Nari Samaj Ms. Farida Aktar, presidium member of
Workers' Party Ms. Hajera Sultana, women affairs
secretary of Bangladesh Awami League Dr. Dipu Mani, president of Karmajibi
Nari and presidium member of Jatiya
Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) Ms. Shirin Aktar, leader of Samajtantrik Women
Forum Ms. Tahera Begum Joli,
leader of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad
Ms. Fatema Khatun, former
president of HWF Ms. Choitali
Tripura, teacher of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism of Dhaka
University Mr. Robaet Ferdous
and Ms. Kaberi Gain, teacher of Department of
Linguistic of Dhaka University Dr. Sourav Sikder, teacher of Department of History of Dhaka
University and general secretary of Bangladesh Adivasi
Odhikar Andolon Mr. Mesbah Kamal spoke at the
programme. Besides, leaders of the Hill Students Council (PCP), Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha
(BNPS), Garo Indigenous Michik Association (GIMA), Ain O
Salish Kendra, Sampriti Manch,
nari Grantha Probartana, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Bangladesh Adivasi
Student Action Council, Parinesh Bachaon
Andolon, Ubinig, and Nagarik Sanghati etc. extended
solidarity by attending the programme. The programme was facilitated by Ms.
Nishi Dewan, assistant general secretary of HWF.
In her speech, Ms. Farida
Akter said that demanding of the punishment to the kidnappers
of Kalpana Chakma is not only demand of HWF, but demand of all women movements of the country. The
abduction of Kalpana Chakma is an example of military
violence against indigenous women in the CHT. We all
should unitedly stand against such atrocity.
Hajera Sultana said that no sooner of the incident, we demanded judicial
inquiry and accordingly government formed an inquiry committee. But till
to-date the report of the committee is not published. She demanded immediate
publication of inquiry report and examplary
punishment of the culprits.
Shirin Akter also demanded to publish white paper
on this incident. She urged masses to participate hill people movement against
land grabbing and violence on indigenous women.
Dr. Dipu Mani said
that like abduction of Kalpana Chakma, human rights
violations are going on unabated in CHT. These
incidents should be investigated and perpetrators should be brought under
trial.
Choitali Tripura said that after the abduction of Kalpana
Chakma, many elected and non-elected government assumed to the state power, but
no initiative has been taken to publish inquiry report. She demanded immediate
implementation of CHT Accord and inclusion of special
provisions for indigenous women to recently adopted national women development
policy.
Tahera Akter Joli urged
all the women across the country to participate united movement against state
violence on indigenous women in CHT. She alleged that
government did not punish Captain Ferdous involved to
the abduction of Kalpana Chakma, rather awarded him
promotion.
Dr. Sourav Sikder alleged that government formed inquiry committee
only for eye-wash.
Robaet Ferdous said that since 1971 military rule
has been continuing in CHT. He opined that
It is mentionable that on 12 June 1996 prior
to 7th parliamentary election, Ms. Kalpana Chakma
(23), organising secretary of HWF was abducted from
her home of New Lalyaghona village of Baghaichari upazila under Rangamati district by a group of army and VDP personnel from Kojoichari
camp led by captain Ferdous. Due to tremendous
pressure from national and international community, the government formed an
inquiry committee. But the report of the inquiry committee is yet to be published.
It is feared that she might have been killed.
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Hiran Mitra Chakma
Acting General Secretary
CHT Hill Students Council (PCP)
CFB Building
Uttar Kalindipur, Rangamati-
4500
CHT, Bangladesh
Tel: +88 0351 62536
Email: chtpcp1989@gmail.com