“…nails of 3 fingers of the right hand removed, left hand thump finger nail removed”
OP-ED: I’m Sorry, Choles Ritchil
INVESTIGATION: Asia Centre for Human Rights
INVESTIGATION: Hana Shams Ahmed: Nightmare in Modhupur
INVESTIGATION: Odhikar Report
INVESTIGATION: Tasneem Khalil on Modhupur
ACTION: Sign The Petition
[Pratap Jambil, eye witness to torture of Choles Ritchil. Now in hiding.]
Elegy for Cholesh Richil
- Nirmalendu Gun
This fiery, painful March
Gave birth to an unstable freedom
This time reveals true meaning of “independence”
For all? Or again thrown into crisis
Cholesh left Modhupur and arrived
At death’s poisonous door
Becoming “famous” only as a corpse
Who are you Cholesh Richil? Really who are you?
Will the world defend your killers
Will it absolve, we wait to see
The power to kill at will
Death may come for that cruel man God
Adivasi Garo, near Rafiq Azad’s Chuniya village
Madhupur his century old home
Traitorous time cut down his rebellion
And coming in like a hero with raised hand
Bengal’s poet giving him this elegy
[trans: N Mohaiemen]
Original Thread on this in this blog
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:53 pm
One request, can you not post the horrid picture directly in the site?
One option could be “click here if you like to see the picture (caution:…)”.
-Sharmin
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Does anyone “like” to see the picture?
Reality is what it is.
April 3rd, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Hana Shams Ahmed – a reporter for Daily Star has in depth report on the situations in Modhupur, and unacceptable actions by the Forest Department officers (allegedly aided by joint force/army officials).
Nightmare in Modhupur
http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2007/03/05/sfeature.htm
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:17 pm
[...] killings and disappearances in Nandigram in the largest democracy in the world, and the recent killing of Choles Ritchil in the most brutal manner imaginable - “Choles’s two eyes plucked, testicles removed, anus [...]
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Condemn the henious act and the criminals should be severely punished.
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
All these are beyond imagination and dreadful and horrendous. we all know it by now. what we do not know is ‘what to be done’. It is high time to act for real; involving as many people possible.(may be passing the news to as many–including the OFFICERS name)
This must stop.
And i think Picture is very important even if they are so painful, we read so many deaths everyday…do we really think of them or have a specifc count?
April 3rd, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Does anyone know what the legal status of this murder is? Any FIRs? Anyone charged yet?
April 4th, 2007 at 12:29 am
I am truly sad.
April 4th, 2007 at 1:44 am
We condemn the killing of Cholesh Ritchil in the strongest possible terms. Those who defend and fight for the rights of the people of ethnic minorities have become the most vulnerable. The killers and perpetrators of human rights violations are never punished. There is no justice in this country, at least for the ethnic minorities. Does the present caretaker government of Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed has the guts to bring the killer of Cholesh Ritchil to book?
April 4th, 2007 at 3:23 am
Hasib,
Last I heard (as of April 3rd, I think), the family of Choles Richil was unable to file an FIR.
April 4th, 2007 at 3:41 am
myself on behalf of MASUM (Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha) condemn this barbarian crime and demand the punishment of the criminals.
April 4th, 2007 at 4:09 am
We must unite to stop this state terrorism.
April 4th, 2007 at 5:05 am
Bangali boltte nijeke lojja kore ei shob muhurte.
Amra jetuku kortte pari ta holo ontotoh na lok k janano…je manusher nam niye kon kon hingosro jontu ghuure beraye amader majhe.
Ei website ta dekhben..ekhane poshchim bangla teo emon kichu poshur mukhosh kholar kaj korchee amra ekhane
http://www.sanhati.com
April 4th, 2007 at 5:14 am
I Condemn the inhuman and barbaric treatment meted out to Choles Ritchil and wonder how long we’ll have to see such humanity in peril.
April 4th, 2007 at 5:45 am
It makes me angry and sad at the same time. The criminals must be punished. Don’t know what to say anymore.
April 4th, 2007 at 5:51 am
I am surprised and shocked that after the caretaker government came with the joint forces, people had thought that justice, which was denied to us, will now be served. But it seems that it is not true for the tribal people. They are just as vulnerable as they were before. When the protectors and justice becomes murderes - who do you go to? And is this the type of government we wanted, when we were all very much appreciating their work in removing corruption from the country??? Does really make one think, doesn’t it??
April 4th, 2007 at 7:21 am
Justice system is always for protecting the affluents of the society. Stop asking remedy from justice system only. Unite against all violations of Human Rights
April 4th, 2007 at 8:42 am
I have no language to express my feelings. I am motionless, wordless and afraid but not for me but for the generation ahead. Only in our country, law is not equal for all but it has to. I wish who were behind this killing, should be brought to justice and let the people know that there is law which is equal for all. Otherwise, we have no reply, no feelings, nothing.
April 4th, 2007 at 8:52 am
I feel ashamed to be a part of the society that is so helplessly unable to resist such outrageous acts of brutality against mankind. How many years will we still take to unie and stand up in action?
April 4th, 2007 at 9:03 am
News of death of an Adivasi leader in custody is very depressing. Choles Ritchil was a very active spokesperson of the Adivasis in Modhupur district, and have to my knowledge also participated in the resistance movement against the coal mining project which was planned in Fulbari, Dinajpur.
April 4th, 2007 at 9:15 am
I dont know what to say. Criminal acts never cease to surprise me. Should I utter the words punishment, justice, condemnation, horror, barbaric? Should I drop a few tears for one more gone? I belong to this generation and its scary.
April 4th, 2007 at 10:13 am
The incident is enough to traumatize one, and shatter all dreams of a brighter tomorrow.
Humanity is in danger and barbarism is waving its victory flag. how long should we wait for others to take the first step? how long should we mutter to ourselves,”Thank God, its not me?”
April 4th, 2007 at 10:35 am
i wanna do something for the welfare of the family of Cholesh Ritchil. Could anyone let me know how can i do it?
Sushanta
e-mail:engrsdg@gmail.com
ph: +4407999648018
April 4th, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I hope the killers get worse treatment and the whole nation see them getting the punishment. I am ashemed to see these animals are among my countrymen. I demand a brutal punishment. How long will it take us to accept that people all over the world regardless of their location are HUMAN beings and we have got to repect another human being? I feel so despired!
April 4th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I AGREE WITH THE PROPOSWAL OF SUSHANTA DAS GUPTA.I WANT TO STAND BY THE SIDE OF THE MEMBERS OF FAMILY.
April 4th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Our parent org Drishtipat had helped out families in crisis in the past by fundraising and demanding justice.
I’m trying to get in touch with Hana in Dhaka (the reporter of Daily Star) and get feedback on the the condition of Cholesh family.
I sent an email to Hana asking if she could provide info on the family:
*If they are safe, and not being harassed by the criminals
*If they need immediate monetary help
*If they were able to file a case with police
*If they have proper legal representation etc…
I also sent the same email to Tasneem Khalil (another DS reporter) who scoured through Modhupur extensively and documented their sufferings. He dared to penetrate the military compound in Modhupur with a photographer friend to witness how the Air Force practice area caused eviction of residents of two villages.
Here’s what Tasneem found: http://www.tasneemkhalil.com/modhupur
April 4th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I am going to send a Fax to Law Advisor Barrister Moinul’s office and Dr.Fakhruddin’s office asking for a legal status of this murder. I suggest all of us do this. Since Army involvement is alleged in the murder, one can be sent to General Moeen’s office also.
Approaching your local Congressman or Senator should be the last resort in my opinion.
April 4th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs
P S to Secretary
Room No. 721, Floor-7th,
Building No. 4,
Bangladesh Secretariat,
Dhaka-1000.
Phone:-7164693
E-mail:- info@minlaw.gov.bd
Can someone (Hasib ?) provide the fax number?
Legal Aid:(Under the Legal Aid Programme, private lawyers are being engaged to press and conduct the jail appeals in courts. Under this law programmes have been taken to motivate and sensitize people about human rights.)
Legal Aid Contact:
Joint Secretary & Project Director
Legal Aid Service
Room No. 730,Floor-7th, Building No.4
Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
Phone: 88+02+7167073
E-mail: info@minlaw.gov.bd
April 4th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Office of the chief advisor
Gona Bhaban
Old Sangsad Bhaban, Tejgaon,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Fax: 00 880 2 8113244
00 880 2 8113243
00 880 2 8111015
00 880 2 8151490
00 880 2 8151157
Email: info@pmo.gov.bd
pm@pmobd.org
psecretary@pmobd.org
presssecy@pmobd.org
pmo@pmobd.org
Ministry of Home Affairs
Bangladesh Secretariat
Building 4
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Salutation: Dear Minister
E-Mail: Info@minlaw.gov.bd
April 4th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
DEAR ZaFa
Tnx a lot for trying to get the latest information regarding Cholesh Ritchil’s family.
After getting latest information, pls let us know using the DP’s blog.As I m in UK, I cant provide legal help for their family. But i would be more happy if i were able to help them finnancially.
That’s the real DP activity.
Sushanta
April 4th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
say to me now, butcher,
….
does your heart also tighten in the throat
when you grasp the extinguished limbs
with the same hands
that will stroke your wife’s secrets?
Breyten Breytenbach
“Letter from Foreign Parts”
Breytenbach wrote this poem at the height of Appertheid. The poem was actually written about the then Prime Minister of South Africa BJ Voster. During BJ Voster’s rule Communist and Black Africans were ruegularly abducted by the security forces to be murdered mysteriously (having a fall in the bathroom, or food poisioning).
This one stanza I think aptly describe the contempt we have for the killers in olive and those who shut their ears to the cries of the dead.
April 4th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), a global network of pro-environment Bangladeshis, is shocked and very disturbed by the death from torture of Mr. Choles Ritchil, a leader of the Garo people living in the Modhupur forest area. According to press reports and information compiled by the Asian Centre for Human Rights, torture marks found on Mr. Ritchil’s dead body included plucked eyes, removed testicles, mutilated anus, smashed palms with holes in them, uprooted nails, holes in the thighs, and other wounds all over the body. Apparently this barbaric torture was carried out by the members of the joint force at Khakraid army camp of Muktagacha Upazila on March 18, 2007.
Mr. Choles Ritchil was leading the Garo people’s movement against the ill conceived Modupur forest Eco-Park project, under which a wall is being constructed around 3,000 acres of Modhupur forests. According to most observers, the wall will basically destroy the forest and disrupt the livelihood of the Garo and other indigenous people who live in the area and depend on the Modhupur forests for their livelihood. Mr. Ritchil took up the leadership after Mr. Piren Snal, the previous leader of the Garo movement against Modhupur Eco Park was killed on January 3, 2004 by police firing on a peaceful demonstration by the people against the project. The firing also caused injuries to twenty five people, including women and children.
Earlier BEN participated in the citizens’ rally organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Anodlon (BAPA) in Dhaka city protesting against police atrocities that led to the killing of Piren Snal and demanding scraping of the Modhupur Eco Park project. BEN hoped that good sense would prevail among government authorities and the project will be abandoned.
BEN is dismayed by the fact that the authorities are persisting with the Modhupur Eco Park project despite the previous tragedy, and now another Garo leader has been killed, and this time by medieval torture. BEN condemns this killing in the strongest terms possible and demands that the government immediately undertakes an impartial, thorough judicial inquiry into the incident and metes out appropriate punishment to those responsible. Taking this opportunity, BEN renews its call to abandon the ill-conceived Modhupur Eco Park project.
BEN would also like to raise the question of motivation of the joint forces in arresting Mr. Ritchil and subjecting him to such inhuman torture. As per publicly proclaimed intentions, the joint forces are supposed to act against the corrupt and the criminals. Mr. Ritchil would not fall into either of these two categories. On the other hand, we know that there are vested interests pushing the Modhupur Eco Park project that include corrupt forest department officials, contractors, and local mastans who benefit from gabbing land belonging historically to the Garo people. Is it the case that the joint forces command of the Modhupur area has been co-opted by these vested interests? In investigating into the incident BEN would like the authorities to look carefully into this question, as because the answer to this question may help them understand the direction in which the events are moving or likely to move unless they are careful enough.
BEN urges the people of Bangladesh and all citizens’ organization to come forward protesting the killing of Mr. Rtichil, demanding the scrapping of the Modhupur Eco Park project, and supporting the rights of the indigenous peoples of the country.
April 5th, 2007 at 12:06 am
I could recollect well, it was in 1999 and I had been studying MA in Dhaka University and teaching as part timer at Meherunnesa Mohila College. We,some of school-college-university going students,invited young people in a discussion meeting on Eco-park in Modhupur, indigenous peoples’ area, encercling 21,000 acres of land evicting more 25,000 people. After much discussion all of us came to a decision “the project will destroy indigenous peoples’ life and livelihoond, their culture and traditions”. After few days some of us went to meet Chalesh Ritchil asking his moral support against eco-park movement. He said to us,” If it is true, I will be the first person to stand and fight against this injustice. Don’t worry, I got about five thousand vote during UP election and these people, atleast, will be with us (He stood for UP election and failed for several votes). But remember, we must be prepared to shed blood as no right is eshtablished without blood. …And if you need money, i’ll manage.. ” it was our Chalesh the, one of the organizer of eco-park movement. He even didn’t call me by name though I was junior to him. He used to call me Sir or professor as later I taught at Modhupur University College for 3 and half years and he studied at that college in late eighties.
As the anti eco-park movement became the largest movement in Modhupur, 25,000 indigenous peoples’ and some Bangali people directly supported us. We got huge Media coverage and Govt. was compelled to cancell the project. Later four party alliance led Govt. revive the project in 2002. We started the movement again. I was forced to resign from my college. Former Minister for forest and environment, Mr. Shahjahan Siraj, became angry with the Adibasi leaders and his department filed many false cases against us including chalesh da and many leaders sent to jail several times. Chalesh da was also target of the BNP men as he was involved in Awami Politics. He was involved in politics since his school life.
I don’t say he was innocent but he wasn’t such criminal as some of his opponent and police trying to prove heart and soul. He was not out of wrong as a human being. I heard some of the Garo people and political activists opossit in ideology, who opposed eco-park movement taking some monetary facilities from FD, distributed sweets among themselves which shows the crossing limit of barbarism. I have no words to express my pity to them. Let the Lord Creator give them wisdom to become human being!
Chalesh also joined and support the movement of Fulbari and Sylhet-Mouluvi Bazr eco-park movement.
It is a big loss for Garo people as well as local Bangali People of his area. I can’t even imagine he is no more with us. I demand immadiate arrest and an examplary punishment of the murderer.
Babul, USA
April 5th, 2007 at 12:10 am
This barbaric act dehumanises all of us. I would like to see the perpetrators of this crime brought to justice. This man’s blood is on all our hands.
April 5th, 2007 at 5:50 am
Just when you felt elated about some positive changes occuring in Bangladesh- you are confronted with the reality- that little has changed.
If one considers the plight of all of the ‘minorities’ in Bangladesh right from the emergence of Pakistan, it has always been a ‘land grab’ on all the “Adhibashi” land. One argument posed is that it is not Adhibashi land but Bangladeshi land. Where was this argument when Pakistan was pushing its agenda on the Bangalees? These apologists ignore the historical treaties that preceded these groups joining the-then Pakistan and now Bangladesh- and the brutal terrorizing started right from Zia’s ascension to power.
People with spine should stand up against this horrible injustice and be heard!
April 5th, 2007 at 10:24 am
As a regular reader of UHV I want to propose to the admin to consider not to post anything for 2 days. Or to keep this post at the top so that people coming to this blog has to see what we are capable of first. I think we owe it to Cholesh Ritchil…not to forget…in our small way pay our respect…i don’t know…after coming across this post, I haven’t been able to move past it. And maybe that’s a good thing.
April 5th, 2007 at 11:34 am
I am in complete agreement with the last 3 comments here. I have to admit, I was so shocked and disheartened by the inhumanity of the whole thing that I haven’t been able to get past this post either…or come up with anything to say that can possibly matter enough.
April 5th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Tasneem Khalil who covered Modhupur situation extensively sent me the following message (also see Hana’s report to know about Pratap Jambil and the torture he endured while in custody. Tasneem emailed me some photos of Pratap in hospital earlier. I’ll upload them soon):
Zafa:
His [Richil's] family is not that much in a bad shape and I don’t think they need any urgent financial support. ASK and BLAST is in the process of arranging legal representation. So, I am not sure what DP/UV can contribute here.
However, Pratap Jambil, key-witness of the torture is now in hiding. He was brutally tortured along with Chalesh and is undergoing treatment. His family is financially very unstable and needs urgent help. See, if you can do something for him. Note, he’s hounded by the army and we must ensure his security. So, creating a huge ado about this can be an issue too.
April 5th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Shahjahan Shiraj is in the jail now for his alleged involvement in illegal tree poaching while he was the minister of forest department. No wonder the priest in Modhupur said
It is so pathetic that Shiraj fought so bravely for Bangladesh’s independence during liberation war. His son Apu Shiraj is also part of the gang who mercilessly cut down forests and sold them to timber dealers (as per news report). He was wanted by JF as well.
April 5th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Thank you very much for your update information. We, our friend circle, used to boast for Former Environment Minister Mr. Siraj as he was the Swadhinotar Ishtehar Pathok and brave Freedom Fighter. It’s our beyond imagination that he became the antagonist ( I am so sorry to use such term, he was our hero, but I had to resign from Modhupur college only because of his personal interest. My fault was, I supported the eco-park movement. He said in a meeting,” I what to cut all less productive tress and replant big big tress” while he was asked about his plan about eco-park)to the Indigenous people in the eco-park issue.
I feel very sad to hear that he is in jail. He is still my one of the heroes for his heroic deeds in 1971. I didn’t see Mukti Juddha but can feel it how they faced it.
I also agree with the statement of Rev.Fr. Eugene Homorich CSC when he says,
” Where there is Forest Department, there is no forest.”
I think we cannot blame the FD alone while every sector is corrupted in the country. We the people creating these corrupt people in our families. So we are also to be blamed.
Babul
April 5th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
Agree with Eeshita, Keep it on top for may be one week! and Also with the pictures…even it is horrific, we need to see what happens to minority and adhibashi in Bangladesh.
April 5th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
what can we do for Pratap Jambil according to Hana’s report?
Have any one of you already send a letter to Dr. Fakhrudding?
Can international human rights org (besides ASK) be of help to take it further?
we do owe it to Cholesh ritchil (..referring eeshita). His picture is imprinted in the mind, shook all of us from the comfort zone.
April 5th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
The CG - specially since it has massive public support and long-term plans, must prove to the nation that is really intent on bringing about positive changes in our society.
Such abuse of human rights must be stopped. Victims should be compensated by the government and the criminals who participated in such heinous activities must be arrested and brought to justice.
The ball is in the CG’s court. It must prove that it is more than empty slogans and really cares for the dignity of every Bangladeshi citizen.
April 5th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
Why is the description of the torture abridged ? Previously it had more detailed description of the deadbody. The torture itself was babrbaric and the description is not expected to be sugar coated.
We all should know how brutally he was killed. it’s an eternal shame for all of us bengalis.
April 5th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
The murderers must bet arrested and ensured toughest punishment. CG should prove that they are committed to bring fruitful change in the country including human rights.
April 6th, 2007 at 8:47 am
not sure how freedom fighting has any relation to forestry, typical desh.
In the BEN piece, the finger points to this animalistic, beneath animalistic, crinimal event taking place in an army area.
patriotic forces of anti corruption ay?
April 6th, 2007 at 9:15 am
We have been informed that the Jumma Peoples Network - Korea and some other human rights organisations will stage solo demonstration in front of Bangladesh Embassy in Seoul in protest against the killing of Cholesh Ritchil. They will submit an appeal addressed to the CA as well.
April 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I have been away for some time and have missed many developments. Torture and deliberate extra judicial killings [or other acts] have no place in civil society.
I don’t know enough about the eco-park project or related activities to comment on their [in]appropriateness or the legal, scientific and ecological basis behind competing approaches. Much of Modhupur has been deforested and the local indigenous people are not without complicity - and often, the corrupt FD and related entities in power bear the most reponsibility. But efforts to save bio-diversity as well as reforestation are both likely to cause some dislocations. Sometimes, those displaced (note encroachments on rivers) are recent squatters. At other times, it may be unavoidalbe to displace more settled population for a larger [and presumably nobler] public goal. The only way to make a proper determination is through democracy and transparency. In other words, all of the information should be public and there should be public hearings and then, in the end, the people ought to be allowed an opportunity to determine what is in their best interest. And any dislocations that are deemed necessary must be properly and fairly mitigated.
None of the above seem to have happened in Modhupur - mostly because of the arrogance and corruption of the authorities. With our new CG, we hope for greater accountability, transparency and public discourse. We need to know and understand public projects. As an added ‘benefit’ once the public ‘approve’ a project as being of net benefit, they themselves can help convince the dissidents (there are always dissidents).
But no matter what, there should NEVER be room for extra judicial activities. Certainly, not torture and killing in the name of ???? If we act barbarously, EVERYTHING else that we do is suspect. Doing things properly may slow things down but that is a necessary cost of democracy and the rule of law. The ‘cost’ of trying to do things faster (by taking extra judicial measures) is our humanity and our soul.
It would be ironic (and unacceptable) if in trying to preserve and promote human values (bio-diversity, ecological education), we sacrifice our humanity and our souls. I join my voice with all those condemning the murder by torture and the oppression of the indigenous Modhupur adhivasis.
Best,
Muhit Rahman
April 6th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
My nerve cant take these pictures of Cholesh Richhil! I cant make any expression of how grave this anguish is!I am ashamed to be a Bengalee and seek forgiveness from our adivashi country people.I comdenm this ferocious action of the state and call for establish justice.
April 7th, 2007 at 3:11 am
Its really terrific, where we live in? Is it a civil society or an independent country?The brutality remembers the primitive stage, so we should need to search our INDEPENDENCE after 36 years.
April 7th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Bangladesh is progressing economically. It has the advantage of being a generally ethnically and religiously homogenous state. There is no real internal ethnic threat to its territorial integrity. The rapid progress which Bangladesh is making on all fronts, economically, politically and even sportswise (cricket) must also include a more progressive and advanced way in which the state deals with minorities. This is amongst one of the key features of any mature, modern and civilized state. Though I do think minorities on the whole generally enjoy relative security in Bangladesh.
April 7th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
Comment#51
I dont under the meaning of the post#51. What does actually he wish to focus? Could anyone explain his comment?
Sushanta
April 7th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Gulshan Are you campaigning for any elction
Manifesto?
Subject is about “Choles Ritchil.’
April 7th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
This is blatent human rights abuse of a member of an ethnic minority group. I strongly condemn it.No government or people is above the law.How would we feel if it happened to any of our kin?
April 8th, 2007 at 2:52 am
The obstructed voice of indigenous people of Bangladesh
-Ronel C. Nani,
Jumma people’s network-Korea (JPNK) in collaboration with many other organizations including Imagination for international solidarity (IFIS) organized a solo-protest demonstration in front of the Embassy of the People’s Republic Bangladesh located at Hannamdong of Seoul today. The demonstration was organized to protest against killing of indigenous people’s leader belong to Garo tribe by the joint security forces of Bangladesh. Mr. Choles Risil who has been fighting for his community rights was killed on the 18 of March.
We started our demonstration a few minutes later than our scheduled time 11.00am. Some official of Bangladesh embassy came down a little afterward we had started solo demonstration. Then, an activist of Buddhist solidarity for reform (BSR) was standing with a picket containing demand to stop repression on the indigenous people of Bangladesh. It was my opportunity to have been asked by the embassy official, “what the matter was and why we were there.” I easily explained to the official saying, “Don’t you know that your government has declared state of emergency in the country and any political activities are prohibited by law there?” The official did not answer to my question. However, he did not miss the chance to take out his anger on me when I was taking a photo graph. He tried to snatch away my camera on the pretext that I was not allowed to take photo graph. Any way, it was silly for me to take photo graph without permission. I also blamed him for his gangster like action in front other people gather there for that minor case of taking photograph.
After an hour and a half passed some journalist form an internet news media came to gather report on the spot when Mr. Cho Yak dol, an activist of IFIS was standing to demonstrate. I was asked what anticipated to be asked by the journalist that Garo is a different national minority than Jumma people then why Jumma people should demonstrate for them. The answer is easy but difficult to explain within a few words.
It can be explained as following. According to the sources there are 45 ethnic or indigenous minority groups in Bangladesh with about some two million population including the Jumma people of the Chittagong hill tracts (CHT). All minority groups have their different cultural and religious identity different from the major and ruling Bengali nation. Unfortunately, as an Islamic state Bangladesh state constitution do not have adequate provision to protect the indigenous minorities there in. Indigenous people of Bangladesh have been facing demographic threat since the last date of British colonial rule in 1947. Garo, Khasia, Monipuri and other minor indigenous groups living in the east and northern part of the Bangladesh have almost been overwhelmed by the Bengali and Islamic aggression. While, the CHT south-east region was overwhelmed by two and half decade’s long guerilla war launched to demand for self determination for Jumma people in the region. About One-third of the Bangladesh military forces had been deployed and approximately five hundred thousands of Muslim Bengali people transferred in to the region on Government sponsorship. This policy of the government caused huge affect to the eco-system of the CHT and suffering for the Jumma indigenous people. According to statistic report, some 28 thousands Jumma families became internally displaced, twenty thousands people had been killed due to direct and indirect effect of the guerilla war in the CHT region. Guerilla war ended in 1997 through a peace deal with Bangladesh government. Unpleasant truth is that the government of Bangladesh is yet to change policy toward indigenous people. All form of human rights abuses are still continued in the region.
Garo people, our indigenous brother face the same problem .Once the Eco Park which was started to build under financial assistance of ADB (Asia Development Bank) 1982 is the core of the Garo problem. Eco Park is actually an animal sanctuary planed to be built by the Bangladesh ministry of forest and environment on a vast land area where Garo people inhabit. According to the locals and statistics, some six thousands Garo people will be displaced as soon as the project starts implementing and twenty thousands of Garo people will directly and indirectly be victimized. These are the reason why the Garo people seemed organized against implantation of project.
Mr. Sangma who was brutally beaten to death by the joint forces and for whom we staged today’s demonstration was a braved Garo leader who always fought for his community. Reportedly, ministry of forest has so far filed 27 arbitrary charges against the deceased Garo leader. Garo people are very few in population. More over, any kinds of political gathering, public meeting, and demonstration are prohibited by law in Bangladesh after the declaration of “state of emergency” in January. Ms. Soojin international coordinator of IFIS handed the memorandum to the Ambassador Bangladesh to Seoul at 3.00 PM which was submitted to the head of the care taker government of Bangladesh. I don’t know whether international community will hear our obstructed voice for indigenous people of Bangladesh.
We want the Madhupur Eco-park project be scrapped and the Garo people saved!!!
(The author is an activist of Jumma people’s network-Korea and Country representative of united people’s democratic front. http://www.jpnk.org, http://www.updfcht.org )
April 8th, 2007 at 3:29 am
In reference to Gulshan’s post (No. 51), I wonder whether he understands what he is talking about! We do not understand his language. He might have come from different planet.
Anyway, just wanted to give a news: Jumma People’s Network-Korea and some other HR organisations staged demo in Seoul on 7 April. A memo has been submitted. Signatories are: Imagination for International Solidarity (IFIS), Jumma Peoples Net work Korea(JPNK), Lesbian Counseling Center in South Korea, Sexual Minority Committee of Democraqtric Labour Party, Korean House for International Solidarity(KHIS), Won Buddhism Human Rights Commission, Buddhist Solidarity for Reform and Palestine Peace Solidarity.
April 8th, 2007 at 6:38 am
After reading the news in the Daily Star Magazine and seeing the picture in it I can’t imagine where owr civilization will going.
April 8th, 2007 at 11:41 am
For those whose level of English isn’t good enough to understand my posts, I do apologize if I wasn’t clear enough for you.
I am merely saying the same things as Reza in post 43. I am focusing on the wider issue highlighted by the tragic Choles Ritchil, which is that the Bangladeshi state and society must ensure the well being of minorities in the country.
April 8th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Ahh! …. what an English! It sounds like Megam! It’s really too difficult for us to understand. Anyway #43 is very clear and specific.
Dear Gulshan, please please please write in easier English.
Miserable Serenjing and Waljan
Dear Admin,
Please be informed that these are our Choddyanam!
April 8th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Justice for Choles Ritchtil
April 9th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Save the Garo people, Protest Eco-park. Let’s act and raise our voice against the killers of Richil. How cruel!
April 9th, 2007 at 11:01 am
This heinous attack on Choles Ritchil that cause his succumb perturbed us all. The death of Ritchil is the externalization of this army-led caretaker government like previous the AL and the BNP to extinct the ethnic and indigenous people of Bangladesh. We abhor this barbarous act by the military facade government. We demand a judicial inquiry and bring those army officials (arrestees) to book. Also suggest the government not to repeat such kind of act on the indigenous people, rather ensure their constitutional rights.
April 9th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
this cruel incident open our so called liberal mask.
April 10th, 2007 at 3:14 pm
ANIMALS!Such heinous acts inflicted on a minority citizen is abhored & very shameful. Minorities & citizens in Bangladesh must be allowed their civil rights.
The caretaker “intellectual government” promises stability,thus far quite promising.
Culprits who murdered Mr.Richil must be arrested & brought to justice,NOW.
April 10th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Thank you Ms. Mushrefa Mishu and Jebunnessa Jebu, Sharmin Mridha, Zia Babloo, Nusrart Tuhin for your raising fiery voice.
Mushrefa Mishu Apa, after a long time I am hearing from you. It’s me the only Garo who supported your Chattro Maitri in University life. I was first year student and you were doing M.Phil then.
Miserable Serenjing
April 11th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Dear Neena,
Aninals are more honest than many of us humans. Take the tigers for example. They won’t kill other animals unless they are hungry or feel threatened. Hunger is the greatest illness. That’s why Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish warns in one of his poem:
Beware,
Beware my hunger,
Beware my wrath.
……….
The killers of Cholesh Ritchil are worst than ….. shall I say? …. beasts.
April 13th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Dear all,
Does anyone knows the latest news of Mr. Protap and Chalesh family? If yes, please let me know.
(Ferend, iyade angaha, nangni ferend.Dasi nangni asol bimungkhode chaggabo.)
Thank you Ripon for your nice qoutation from Mahmood Darwish.
Miserable serenjing and Walzan
April 13th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Thanks to Serenjing for giving some more information on Eco-park activists killing. Chalesh rightly said before he died,”We must… .” Many activists sacrificed their lives, and many people including women and children recieved cruel bullets in order to be freed from eco-park. Chalesh also killed for the same cause. So eco-park must be stopped and murderers must be punished.
Papri, UK
April 13th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
This is disgusting on the part of Bangladesh Army and the government itself. I am ashamed of our Army and the so called care taker government. Mr. Chief advisor you should resign immediately. May God bless Bangladesh and its People!
April 14th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
‘Human Rights’ never existed in the history of Bangladesh. For minority people its even more horrible. As a nation we are becoming apathetic, prejudiced and cruel day by day. Its time to wake up. Hey Adibasi, ai banglar sokol minority somaz, ai Ovaga bengali tomader kache khoma chaisi..I’m so sorry. I wish I could make a difference. I wish we had better people living in Bangladesh. Kothai gelo amar sonar Bangladesh.
April 14th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Dear Shahed,
I agree with you. “Sonar banglai protidin, Ashar alo hoy khin”. Keno emom hoi? We can bring meaningful change today or tomorrow. But before that murderers should be punished.
Sobai k Bangla Nobo Borsher Shuvechchha.
Serenjing
April 15th, 2007 at 6:59 am
It’s really shocking. The murderers must be punished and I think it is high time doing so.
April 22nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Dear all,
Sobai kemon jeno chup hoye gechi amra! Prithibita emonie, boro rohosyamoy.
Dear Chalesh, amader maf kore dio……
April 24th, 2007 at 1:22 am
Dear all,
When I first received the e-mail with a request to sign a petition for “an impartial investigation for the gruesome death by torture of Choles Ritchil, a Garo Adivasi (indigenous) activist from Bangladesh while in the custody of the Joined Army and Police forces” I was so moved that I signed the petition right away without giving it a second thought. But when I reread the whole story I just felt something was not right and started to have doubts about the authenticity of the whole story- I could n’t help but wonder could it be the case that the joined forces have been framed ?
The death of Mr Ritchil is a very sad incident but shouldn’t we think twice before pointing our fingers to the army or the joined forces and accusing them to have committed such horrendous crime? Over the past few years Bangladesh army has been working together with other countries to establish ‘PEACE’ in all over the world where Mr. Koffi Annan commented in one of his speech ““Bangladesh is a model member of the united nations, providing leadership amongst the least developed countries, and in the general assembly and other forum, and contributing substantially to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.” I just can not understand why the Army or the joined forces would want to tarnish their image by doing something this heinous so openly (leaving behind all those clues)-what’s in it for them?
Mr.Ritchil’s death demands fair investigation. We would all want that if any member of the armed\joined forces is responsible for the terrible tortures that led to Mr.Rotchil’s death then he should be punished through tough and inescapable military law. But my concern lies in the fact that the way the whole incident has been described. When you read it you don’t see ,in your mind, any individuals committing the crime but you could visualise some people in army uniform are torturing the poor man to his death!!! But it should not be the case. We should be more responsible and careful in passing on stories like this one as it is creating a negative image of our army and Joined forces. We shouldn’t judge our own national institution on the basis of isolated incidents. We have to remember that the member of joined forces are not terrorists but are responsible citizens of Bangladesh who are working day and night under the open sky leaving family, friends and all the worldly comfort behind to work for the country because they are duty bound for the noble cause of creating a safe and prosperous Bangladesh for us all !! It is very unfortunate that when isolated incident like this happens we readily start to think of our National army as that of Pak army in 1971- as if they are some invading foreign force always working against our national interest. We tend to forget that the members of the joined forces are all competent Bangladeshi nationals chosen through an open selective process.
It is also very unfortunate that there are other incidents in our country where people are involved with terrorizing and exploiting and killing thousands of innocent people in the street, villages and towns everyday. But unfortunately we don’t see many petitions and international awareness for those cases. Shouldn’t we also raise our voice against those??
Regards,
Iffat
April 24th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
This is inhuman and animalish behaviour. Not animal only brutal terorist can commit this type of work.
Shafiq
April 27th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Today on 28 April is the 40th day of Chalesh Ritchil’s brutal killing. There is no tradition of celebrating ‘Challisha’ in Garo culture. But it has become a difference for Chalesh Ritchil. Today Chalesh’s Muslims wellwisher’s of his area observing Challisha at his house to remember and honour his good deeds for Muslim community during his life time. To them,”Chalesh vai was not only leaders for the Garo people, he was a true leader for all people irrespective of cast and religion.He assisted many poor muslim students for their school and college expenses….”
1,50,000 TK. (one lac and fifty thousand) has been collected from Muslim community for this Challisha. Thousands of Muslims people will gather on this occaision. Garo leaders are invited by the Muslim people to join with them.
Chalesh da! Hai Chalesh da! You will remain alive among people forever….
Serenjing
May 7th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
One member probe committee is formed in the brutal killing of Chalesh Ritchhil. Ain O Shalish Kendra, BELLA, BLAST, ALRD and GAro leaders welcome this initiative. But GAro people suspect as they think Govt., though forced by national and internaional pressure, would do it just for eyewash!
Let us see what happens.
Taposi, Haluaghat
May 9th, 2007 at 4:45 am
I refuse to be swayed by the news of the formation of the probe committee. We the Jumma people in CHT have bitter experience with such committees. This is a subtle way of extinguishing the anger of the people concerned. The perpetrators are never pinned down and brought to justice. Nay, they are actually rewarded for what have done. The much redeculed abductor of Kalpana Chakma Lt. Ferdous was never punished; rather, he was promoted to a fullfledged Major and posted back to Sajek area in CHT, not far from the place where Kalpana Chakma was abducted in 1996.
Therefore, probe committees are a cruel joke with the people.
Let me give another example. After nation-wide protests and international condemnation, the then government of BNP was compelled to form an inquiry committee on the Logang masscare in 1992 in which 2oo Jummas were killed. The committee was headed by Justice Sultan Hussain Khan (Recently, he has been forced to resign from the chairman of Anti-corruption Commission for failure to run the anti crime body efficiently.). What the Khan produced? He merely sang to the tune of the army commanders who said only 11 Jummas were killed and that it was the now-dufunct Shanti Bahini guerrillas who had instigated, if not directly committed, the crime.
Mr. Khan failed to indentify any of the BDR, VDP and Ansar personnel and members of the settlers who were responsible for the incident. He was biased in the extreme and remarked that it was the security of the attacker settlers, not the Jummas who were the victims of the barbarous attack, had been at stake. Therefore, he went on to suggest that the settlers and VDPs are provided with better arms and training.
On the other hand, he uttered not a single word about the safety and security of the Jumma people.
No wonder that Mr. Khan failed to perform the duty he was assaigned as the chairman of the Anti Corruption Commission. So long as the Khans and their likes go on running the state of affairs of the country, the future of the people will remain bleak and the minority community will continue to suffer.
May 10th, 2007 at 3:53 am
No one deserves a death like this. It’s hard to believe what a human being can to another human being!
This is very complex and difficult world. Ironically this difficulty and complexity are cultivated and staged by us, humans! My condolences for his family! They have a very tough time ahead of them. Acts like these validate the reasons for sending prophets.
May 10th, 2007 at 7:36 am
[...] States and has the freedom and the resources to speak out. Many others, ordinary citizens like Choles Ritchil, who have faced the brutality of this military have not lived to tell their [...]
October 30th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
[...] Awami League from power because of Jainal Hajari but we can’t do anything this time around? Chalesh was killed in custody and a lot of noise was made about him. A judicial commission was formed three days before a special [...]
December 18th, 2007 at 4:49 am
[...] Fundamental rights suspended. – Extra-judicial murders. – Mass torture. – Crackdown on press freedom. – Mindless eviction. – Ban [...]
January 8th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
The sun rises and goes down everyday as the memories of Chalesh Ritchil haunt.
Justice delayed, justice denied.
Banalata Sangma
February 5th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
[...] When human rights violations occurred during our democratically-elected governments’ tenure, it happened despite these governments, and there were always some methods of recourse. How then shall we handle the shame of regressing to the point where human rights violations occur because of, not despite, the government. The shame and stigma of having a government whose policy and solution for every problem is to use force, force, and more force, to torture, to seize, to abuse, and now and then, to kill. [...]
May 1st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Dear all,
It’s our pleasure to know from a reliable source that some students from oversease have helped some monetary assistance for Chalesh Ritchils Children’s education.
We thank Mr. Babul Nokrek who for the first time requested all for financial assistance for late Ritchils children’s education.
Let us continue helping for their educational expenses. We think Mr. Nokrek can help/guide for their education. They need not only money but also counselling and guidence.
Serenjing and walzan
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 am
Oh, that’s great news (post 85). Thank you for letting us know. Is there a chapter of DP that could maybe take the lead in doing something similar on the Sajek issue? I ask because I know that DP London is already swamped with projects, and it would be really good if a DP chapter with available resources could take this up.
June 7th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Dear all,
Ms. Serenjing & Waljan are all right. Some students from overseas are helping for their education. Absolutely they need guidance and counseling. But still I couldn’t come in touch to them. Almost one year ago I visited the family and then Sandhya di requested me to help for her children’s education specially financial assistance.
So far according to source they restarted going to school regularly.
Thanks to the students who are helping with their great heart.
Babul