Khagrachhari, July 20 (V7N) – The Parbatya Chattagram Equal Rights Movement’s district branch held a press conference at Khagrachhari Press Club this morning to condemn attempts to disrupt communal harmony in the hills following the rape allegation involving a Tripura teenage girl in Bhaiboonchhara. The organization firmly opposed efforts to stir ethnic tensions around the sensitive incident.
 
In a written statement read by the organization’s president, Md. Mosharraf Hossain, the speakers demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the rape case. They urged authorities to identify and prosecute the real culprits without bias or delay. The statement emphasized that perpetrators of such heinous crimes can belong to no particular community, party, or ethnicity.
 
The speakers criticized the deliberate attempts by certain groups to falsely blame the Bengali community and security forces for all incidents in the hill districts, describing such accusations as deeply unfortunate and incendiary. They called on all people to remain vigilant and united against communal provocation and misinformation.
 
The leaders also demanded swift arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the murder of Sohel, a madrasa student abducted from Buttonatoli, Manikchhari, twelve days ago—a case which has caused great distress in the district.
 
Attending the conference were senior vice president Abdul Kaiyum, vice president Ashok Majumder, general secretary Md. Asad Ullah, and senior joint secretary Zahir Ahmed.
 
Background: On June 27, after attending the Rath Jatra festival, the Tripura teenage girl sought shelter at a relative’s home in Bhaiboonchhara. It is alleged that six youths broke into the home late at night, restrained the girl’s relatives, and raped the victim. A case was filed at Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station naming six suspects. Following media coverage, the army conducted a raid and arrested four of the accused, handing them over to police. Two suspects, Md. Sohel Islam (23) and Md. Munir Islam (29), remain at large.
 
In the wake of the incident, some hill-based groups have accused the Bengali community and security forces on social media, sparking tensions. The Parbatya Chattagram Equal Rights Movement urged calm and called for justice through lawful means.
 
Social Awareness Message:
Rape is a grave and horrific crime that transcends community boundaries. It is essential for society to unite in condemning such acts and support victims while ensuring justice is served swiftly and fairly. Communalizing such tragedies only deepens division and suffering. Awareness, empathy, and cooperation among all communities are vital to building a safer and more just society.
 
END/BTK/SMA/