144 Section to Be Withdrawn if Blockade Lifted: Hill District Advisor

In Khagrachhari, following the ongoing blockade in protest of the alleged rape of a schoolgirl, a meeting was held between the ‘Jummo Chhatra-Janata’ organisation and Supradeep Chakma, the Adviser for the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The adviser stated that if the organisation lifts the blockade, the 144 Section imposed by the administration will be withdrawn.

The meeting took place on Monday, 29 September, at the Khagrachhari Circuit House. The meeting’s authenticity was confirmed by Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police, Arefin Jewel.

He said, “The meeting was initiated by the Adviser. Discussions centred on the eight-point demand submitted by the organisation. The Hill District Adviser assured them that their demands would be met. Regarding the 144 Section imposed by the administration, it was agreed that it would be withdrawn once the ongoing blockade is lifted. Furthermore, compensation will be provided to those affected by the violence, proper medical care arranged for the injured, and prompt support extended for the burial of the deceased. The absconding perpetrators involved in the schoolgirl’s assault will be apprehended swiftly.” The meeting lasted from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Also present were Shefalika Tripura, Chairperson of Khagrachhari Hill District Council, and ABM Iftikharul Islam Khandakar, Deputy Commissioner.

Police Superintendent Arefin Jewel further stated that Shefalika Tripura will visit Guimara’s Ramsubazar area on Tuesday to distribute aid to the victims.

Meanwhile, Jummo Chhatra-Janata welcomed the meeting on their Facebook page, noting:

“We welcome this formal dialogue with the government and administration. However, this does not mean that our rights and uprising will be compromised verbally.”

The statement added that all demands except the withdrawal of the 144 Section were verbally agreed upon. Six representatives of Jummo Chhatra-Janata attended the meeting: Bagis Chakma, Shadok Chakma, Kripayan Tripura, Pintu Talukdar, Toshita Chakma, and Monika Chakma.

During a visit to Durga Puja pandals in Rangamati on Monday night, Adviser Supradeep Chakma informed journalists that the six representatives who attended were members of UPDF, and they had acknowledged this themselves.

However, Jummo Chhatra-Janata condemned this claim on their Facebook page, stating that tagging their representatives as UPDF members was deliberate and insulting.

The issue stems from an alleged gang rape of a teenage girl on Tuesday night while returning home from private tuition. She was rescued unconscious from a field by family members at 11 pm that night. One individual has been arrested in connection and was remanded for six days by the court.

In protest, Jummo Chhatra-Janata initiated a blockade at 5 am last Saturday. As the situation escalated, the administration imposed Section 144, which remains in force in the district headquarters and Guimara Upazila.

This development marks a significant step toward dialogue between the administration and the protesting group, aiming to resolve tensions while ensuring law and order and justice for the victims.