Agartala: Thousands of tribal activists marched through Agartala on Saturday, condemning the alleged government-sponsored violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. They urged the interim government of Bangladesh to immediately stop the atrocities against minority Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians following the end of the Sheikh Hasina administration.
Reports suggest that more than 100 homes were destroyed in attacks led by illegal settlers in the CHT. About 80 people were killed, and hundreds of families were displaced in the violence that struck areas like Khagrachari and Rangamati.
The Tripura Chakma Students’ Association has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention to protect those affected by the violence.
Amitabha Chakma, a volunteer with the association, stated during the rally, “We are protesting the brutal atrocities committed against indigenous people in Bangladesh’s CHT. So far, 79 people have been killed in attacks by the Bangladeshi army and illegal settlers. Many families, including Hindus, Buddhists, and others, have had their homes torched and are now forced to seek shelter in the forests.”
Calling on Prime Minister Modi, Chakma added, “He is recognised globally as a leader. Now is the time to act to protect our brothers and sisters.”
The Chakma Students’ Association rally passed through key areas of Agartala, concluding at Swami Vivekananda Maidan.
In a parallel protest, the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), Women Tipra Federation (WTF), and Tipra Indigenous Students’ Federation (TISF) — all wings of the Tipra Motha Party — gathered outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission.
YTF President Suraj Debbarma emphasized, “Indigenous communities in the hilly regions bordering Tripura are facing severe violence. Through our protest, we aim to send a strong message that minority rights must not be trampled upon. Every person, regardless of where they live, has the right to practice their faith freely.”
The Tipra Motha Party submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, urging the new interim government to prioritize peace and protect indigenous and religious minorities.
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