Fareez (author’s son), Bangladesh National Parliament Building, December 30, 2012. Photo: Zakir Kibria
I condemn ALL violence. Continue reading
I condemn all violence
Category Archives: CHT
An Adivasi speaks: What brings me to Shahbag, what pulls me back from it
Adivasis at Shahbagh, © Zakir Kibria
The first time I visited Shahbag, I was disturbed by a few slogans, such as, “Tumi key, ami key – Bangali, Bangali” (“Who are you, who am I – Bangali, Bangali”). I love the first part of the slogan “Tomar amar thikana, Padma Meghna Jamuna” (Your address and my address, Padma, Meghna, Jamuna – referring to the largest rivers of Bangladesh), but not being a Bengali, I am unable to chant the second half of the slogan. As an advocate of the rights of the indigenous (Adivasi) peoples of Bangladesh it is impossible not to be bothered by this slogan. Continue reading
Shahbagh: Who are you? Who Am I?
Who are you, who am I?/ Chakma, Marma, Bangali.
Who are you, who am I?/ Garo, Saontal, Bangali.
In Surya Sen’s Bengal/ no space for racism
In Pritilata’s Bengal/ no space for ethnic hate
In Titumir’s Bengal/ no space for fascism
In Rokeya’s Bengal/ no space for patriarchy
In Lalan Fakir’s Bengal/ no space for fascism
In Freedom Fighter’s Bengal/ no space for Rajakars
In Freedom Fighter’s Bengal/ no space for Looters
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Jerry Allen: Expulsion from Bangladesh
[Editor's Note: Jerry Allen submitted this article about his experience in CHT to several deshi media outlets, who did not print it. AoD is printing it today in its entirety.]
Expulsion from Bangladesh
By Jerry Allen
Jerry Allen
In the summer of 2011 I was forced to leave Bangladesh due to fabricated press stories. I was a victim of anti-foreigner sentiment resulting from the politics and security situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Continue reading
CHT Accord: 16 years later…
A report on non-implementation of 1997 CHT Accord
Bangladesh, Peacekeeping and the 15th Anniversary of the CHT ‘Peace’ Accord
The Bangladesh Armed Forces have been involved in the United Nations peacekeeping missions since 1988. The country is now one of the top troop-contributing countries in the world. The Chittagong Hill Tracts is the only militarized area in Bangladesh and 15 years ago on this day an Accord, the CHT ‘Peace’ Accord was signed between the Government of Bangladesh and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samity (PCJSS). Continue reading
