‘Law enforcers could’ve thwarted Langadu attack’

Local law enforcing agency could have thwarted the attack at three villages in Langadu upazila, Rangamati, if they wanted to do so, reveals a national human rights commission (NHRC) inquiry report.

The report further said that the attack had taken place due to the inaction of the local law enforcement.

The report, submitted by the inquiry committee on 16 July, was accepted at a meeting in commission office on Monday afternoon.

Three villages -- Tintila, Batyapara and Manikjorchhara -- were set on fire on 2 June last year following the death of a leader of local unit Jubo League, a front organisation of ruling Awami League.

NHRC formed the inquiry committee, headed by its member Banchita Chakma after the attack. Other members of the committee were the commission’s assistant director Sajjadur Rahman and its Rangamati office’s deputy director Gazi Salahuddin.

Later, Banchita Chakma talked to Prothom Alo about the main findings of the report.

Banchita Chakma said that the attackers were among “those who took part in the janaza (funeral rites).”

Police recovered the body of Langadu upazila sadar union unit Jubo League organising secretary M Nurul Islam from jungle by the road in Charmile area, Khagrachhari Sadar on 1 June last year.

He was going to Khagrachhari from Langadu with two passengers on his motorcycle.

Later, local Bengalis demonstrated in this connection.

Responding to a question whether the attack was planned, Banchita said, “It seemed so.”

At least 200 houses were set on fire, she added.

“They [hill people] went up to the law enforcement and said such an incident [attack] could take place. They [police] said, there is no problem. They [Bengalis] have a right to hold a procession; let them do so. They assured that nothing will happen. Yet it did happen. This is why we think, many people knew about it,” Banchita Chakma added.

She went on to say, “They [police] were mere spectators. They could’ve stopped it, if they wished to do so.”

She further said, “As there was inaction, this, of course, is a failure of the administration. Had they been careful earlier, this could’ve been thwarted.”

The report also proposed to build homes for the families harmed in the attack.

The inquiry report will be sent to the defence and home ministries, said the NHRC.

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday evening said, “I shall speak about it after receiving the investigation report.”