A group of eminent citizens on Friday issued a statement making five demands, including the release of the Bawm women and children arrested in Bandarban in the joint operation launched after the bank robbery in the district in April.
The citizens alleged that the minority Bawm community was being subjected to repression and many innocent people were detained.
They demanded the release of the Bawm community people who were arrested in a wholesale manner, an independent investigation into alleged human rights violations and abuse of power by the security forces during the joint operation.
The limits imposed on Bawm individuals鈥� purchases of essential products must be withdrawn and punishment must be ensured through an impartial investigation into extra-judicial killings of Bawm people.
The citizens also demanded the repatriation of the people, including Bawm people, who migrated to Mizoram in India in wake of the drive.聽
The signatories include rights activists Chakma queen Rani Yan Yan, writer Rahnuma Ahmed, professor Anu Mohammad, photojournalist Shahidul Alam and Harun-ur-Rashid.
