The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the unrest and conflict centring the allegations of rape of a Marma girl in Khagrachari hill district.
In a statement signed by its general secretary SM Farhad, the DUCSU said that the police had arrested a man named Shayan Shil, but CCTV footage showed him shopping during the reported incident.
A medical board headed by physician Joya Chakma also found no signs of assault and termed all test indicators ‘normal’, it mentioned.
The statement said that contradictory reports had created confusion and demanded exemplary punishment if rape was proven.
It also demanded stern action if the incident was fabricated.
The student organisation also condemned attacks on ambulances, homes and business, looting and harassment of tourists ‘in the name of protests’, leaving three people Athui Marma, Athrau Marma and Toiching Marma dead and several law enforcers injured.
It expressed condolences for the bereaved families and denounced armed clashes and killings in the hills.
The statement said that failure to ensure justice, curb miscreants, and protect all ethnic groups, including Chakma, Marma, Tripura and Bengali alike, reflected the administration’s incompetence and lack of accountability.
It added that attempts by fascist Awami League and armed groups to divert the rape allegations through provocation were destroying communal harmony and fuelling ethnic conflicts.
According to the statement, conspiracies of armed groups were threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.Â
It said that the July uprising inspired hopes for an inclusive Bangladesh, adding that such a Bangladesh would be the true way to honour the sacrifices of martyred Abu Sayeed, Ria Gop and others.
The student union in its statement also reminded that the country belonged to all citizens with equal rights and dignity, and demanded fundamental rights, security and civic facilities for all.
A Marma schoolgirl was allegedly raped while she was returning from private tuition in the Singinala area of Khagrachari Sadar on September 23.
Demonstrations following the incident escalated into road blockades and clashes across the district, forcing the authorities to impose Section 144 on September 27.
The situation worsened on September 28 when violence erupted at places that left three Marma individuals killed and dozens, including the army and police officials, injured at Ramesu Bazar in Guimara upazila in the district.