ASK calls for judicial probe into Khagrachhari violence, safety of rape victim

The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed grave concern over the recent violence in Khagrachhari District, urging the government to launch a judicial inquiry to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety of the victim and her family.

The unrest followed the reported rape of a Marma schoolgirl, which triggered protests, blockades, and strikes by local youths demanding justice. The demonstrations spiralled into violent clashes, leaving three people dead, several others injured, and homes and businesses destroyed by arson, ASK said in a press statement today (29 September). 

The organisation also stressed that if excessive force was used during the clashes, this must be investigated without delay.

Highlighting the recurring tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, ASK noted that repeated failures to properly investigate past incidents and address root causes have allowed violence to resurface, often with devastating consequences for lives and property.

The rights group reaffirmed that Bangladesh's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural identity should be regarded as a strength, not a source of division. It warned that violence, intimidation, and discrimination foster distrust and instability, undermining both national unity and the country's image.

ASK demanded immediate justice for the teenage victim, as well as compensation for the families of the deceased and injured, and rehabilitation support for those whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed. It reminded the state of its fundamental duty to protect the lives, property, and dignity of all citizens, warning that neglect of this duty would endanger society as a whole.