The Hill Women’s Federation has adopted a seven-point political proposal, including formal government talks with the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF).
The proposals were adopted unanimously at a special women’s conference of the federation held in Dighinala, Khagrachhari, on Sunday, said a press release.
The organization demanded the immediate withdrawal of all cases, including what it described as politically motivated and fabricated cases, filed during the previous regime, as well as the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including UPDF leader Ananda Prakash Chakma, and members of the Bawm community detained in Bandarban.
It also called for legal action against armed groups allegedly involved in various crimes and demanded an end to arbitrary arrests, harassment and raids by security forces.
The federation demanded that hill people be guaranteed their constitutional right, as citizens of Bangladesh, to hold peaceful meetings and rallies in the CHT.
It also called for the implementation in the CHT of legal measures taken in Dhaka against those accused of rape and murder of women and children, saying this was necessary to ensure their safety.
The organization further demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of Lt Ferdous and others identified as suspects in the abduction of Kalpana Chakma, saying such action would help restore public confidence in the rule of law in the hills.
It demanded the publication of investigation reports and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the killings, destruction and looting during the September 19-20, 2024 incidents in Dighinala, Khagrachhari and Rangamati, and the September 28, 2025 incident in Guimara. It also called for investigations into killings that have occurred in the hills at different times.
The final proposal called for an immediate halt to hill cutting and the construction of border roads, as well as a ban on planting foreign tree species, to protect forests, nature, the environment and biodiversity.
Around 60 representatives and observers from different branches of the organisation took part in the conference and endorsed the proposals by a show of hands. The proposals were subsequently adopted unanimously.
At the first session, Hill Women’s Federation President Niti Chakma presided, while General Secretary Rita Chakma conducted the session. Parbatya Nari Sangha President Kanika Dewan, UPDF organizer Mantu Chakma, Pahari Chhatra Parishad President Samir Chakma, and Ganatantrik Jubo Forum Central Member Anupam Chakma took seats on the stage.
Hill Women’s Federation Central Member Jesi Chakma delivered the welcome address.