Nagorik Samaj called for a probe into the alleged sexual assault of two Marma sisters in Rangamati to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The organization made the demand at a press conference on the state of minorities and repression of women in the country at the National Press Club Sunday.
Nagorik Samaj collected information from newspaper reports, rights activists such as National Human Rights Commission member Banchita Chakma, activist and wife of Chakma King Yan Yan, and district officials by phone.
Rights activist Sultana Kamal, who read out the statement, alleged that no law enforcers have played their role properly.
She said the elder daughter of a Marma family was allegedly raped and her younger sister was allegedly sexually assaulted by members of security forces in Orachhari village under Farua Union in Rangamati's Bilaichari Upazila on January 22. They were admitted to Rangamati Sadar Hospital the next day. The incident led to a barrage of criticism from different quarters.
Inter Services Public Relations Directorate director Lt Col Mohammad Rashidul Hasan, however, denied the allegation earlier and told the Dhaka Tribune that the allegation against the army was not true.
Also Read- Two Marma sisters allegedly raped and sexually assaulted in Rangamati
He said that a team of army personnel of Farua camp was conducting a search operation at the village. On hearing a girl's scream, an Ansar man entered the house, Lt Col Hasan said, adding that the Ansar man was later handed over to the local authorities.
Rangamati district commandant of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence, Abdul Awal said that they had withdrawn all six Ansar members who were present during the operation and attached them to Shilchari Ansar base.
Action would be taken if any of them was found guilty, he said.
At the press conference, Nagorik Samaj demanded that the sisters be kept in the Chakma Raja's custody immediately. They also demanded that the alleged perpetrators be brought to book under the Women and Children’s Repression Prevention Act.
Sultana Kamal said family members of the victims were being harassed by law enforcers following the incident and they did not file any case out of fear.
Replying to a query she said that since a GD has been filed, there would not be any problem keeping the victims in Chakma Raja's custody as well.
If the victims are placed in the Chakma Raja's custody, their proper treatment could be ensured, said Khushi Kabir, another rights activist and member of Nagorik Samaj.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
