cerebral palsy

11th year of Kalpana Chakma’s abduction
Perpetrators must be brought to justice

Kalpana Chakma- has become a source of courage and inspiration in the struggle of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

As we all know, she was abducted by Lieutenant Ferdous, the then Kojoichari camp commander, under Baghaichari thana in Rangamati district on the night of 11 June 1996, just seven hours before the voting began for national parliamentary elections.

The incident attracted national and international attention. The Jumma people of CHT launched massive agitation against the incident. Peoples from all walks of life joined the movement and in the plainland of the country progressive and conscientious citizens voiced their unequivocal support for the demand that the abductors be punished with due severity. Eleven years have already passed, yet the perpetrators have been brought to justice. Lieutenant Ferdous, the main culprit, is still serving in the military and he is reported to have been promoted to the higher rank and posted back to a camp not far from Kojoichari, his earlier posting. This is strange! Such kind of things can only happen in Bangladesh!!

After 11 years the issue of Kalpana Chakma still remains alive.

The BD military, who are the de facto administrator of CHT, must take full responsibility for the incident. They should have the courage to acknowledge the truth and take appropriate actions against Lt. Ferdous and his cohorts so that justice can prevail.

This year’s 12th June marks the eleventh anniversary of abduction of Kalpana Chakma. The Day has come nearer. Every year the Day is observed with fiery protests, demonstrations and discussions.

What are we going to do this time around? Shall we allow the day pass by? State of emergency is still in force and all kinds of political activities are banned. Therefore, street agitation is out of the question. This is tough time, but we surely don’t want to let it go unnoticed.

Now a non-party caretaker government is running Bangladesh. Would it be an excess on our part if we demand punishment to the abductors of Kalpana Chakma?

Dear friends, I think the issue demands special attention from you.

Hope.

Mithun Chakma

E-mail: mithun.chakma@gmail.com
Cell: +88-0152-559763