Abduction of Kalpana Chakma
No credible probe yet
Human chain told
Speakers at a human chain yesterday highlighted the state's failure since 1996 to conduct an impartial and credible investigation into the abduction of Kalpana Chakma .
Rejecting the Criminal Investigation Department's final investigation report for, what they said, dropping the names of the real perpetrators, they demanded that the abductors, protected by successive governments, be finally brought to justice.
Bangladesh Adivasi Women's Network and Hill Women's Federation (HWF) jointly organised the programme before the capital's Bangladesh National Museum in anticipation of a hearing on the report at the Rangamati District Judge's Court on January 13.
The speakers also demanded withdrawal of army camps from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and proper implementation of the CHT peace accord of 1997.
Kalpana, organising secretary of HWF, was abducted from her New Lalyaghona residence under Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati on June 12, 1996 allegedly by security personnel in plainclothes. She was 22.
Human rights activist Hameeda Hossain said Kalpana was a Bangladeshi citizen and it was unacceptable that the case of her abduction still remains unresolved. Rights activists and lawyers must work together so that justice can be ensured in this regard, she added.
Information Commissioner Prof Sadeka Halim registered her outrage at the delayed and ineffective justice delivery process, stating that it was the state's responsibility to guarantee safety and justice for its citizens.
HWF Chairperson Chanchana Chakma emphasised that the abduction was not an isolated event as the state failed to ensure safety and security of indigenous women everywhere. Kapaeeng Foundation Coordinator Mong Sing Neo Marma said many official investigations were undertaken in the name of unearthing the truth about the abduction but none were credible.
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