The article reports on the plight of the Mro families in the Rengyan Mro neighborhood of Lama Upazila, Bandarban, Bangladesh, who have been left destitute after their homes and food supplies were destroyed by a fire set by Lama Rubber Industries Limited in January. The Mro community alleges that the company deliberately set fire to their jhum gardens to seize their ancestral land. Despite promises from various government departments and a committee recommendation to cancel the company's lease, no action has been taken against the company. The Mro people are now struggling to survive, relying on wild spinach for food, and are living in fear and uncertainty.

The article reports on a series of violent incidents against the Mro indigenous community in the Bandarban region of Bangladesh. Lama Rubber Industries Limited Company is accused of bringing in settlers and Rohingyas to occupy the Mro's ancestral Jhum land, resulting in the looting and burning of homes, destruction of crops, and poisoning of water sources. The local village chief, Rengyen Mro, and other victims express their fear and frustration over the lack of government protection. Despite recommendations from a committee formed by the Bandarban Hill District Council, the victims claim no action has been taken against the company. The police are investigating the accusations, while a representative from Lama Rubber Industries denies the allegations.

The article reports on a tragic road accident in Bandarban's Ruma upazila, where a truck carrying passengers was hit from behind by another speeding truck, resulting in the death of six indigenous people, including a mother and her daughter, and injuring at least 14 others. Survivors and relatives of the victims demand a fair investigation, suspecting that the crash was not an accident but a planned act. An inquiry committee has been formed, including members from the police, BRTA, and BUET, to investigate the incident. The driver of the speeding truck fled the scene, and efforts are being made to locate the truck owners and arrest the drivers involved.

The article discusses the conflict between the indigenous Mro and Tripura communities of Bandarban’s Lama Upazila in Bangladesh and Lama Rubber Industries Limited. The company is accused of grabbing 400 acres of ancestral Jhum land, which the indigenous people depend on for their traditional farming practices. Despite protests, human chains, and memorandums to the government, the company, which allegedly has former senior administrative officials as shareholders, has not faced any action. Instead, the indigenous people are subjected to threats, false cases, and destruction of their property. An investigation by the Bandarban Hill District Council suggests that the lease could be canceled if the company failed to establish a rubber plantation within ten years, but no action has been taken. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry has yet to respond to the investigation report.

A fire erupted at the Sajek tourist spot near Khasrang Hill resort while Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud was visiting. The fire, which started around 11:40 pm, was extinguished after two hours with the help of law enforcement and locals. The cause of the fire is uncertain, with initial thoughts suggesting it might be a Jhum fire, a traditional slash-and-burn practice. However, the timing of the Jhum fire is unusual, leading some, including the assistant manager of the resort, to speculate about possible sabotage. The fire service was not alerted during the night as the fire was not deemed severe. Previous incidents in the area have also raised suspicions of deliberate acts. The owner of the resort is Kujendra Lal Tripura, a lawmaker involved in rehabilitation efforts for refugees and internally displaced persons.

The Central Railway Building (CRB) area in Chattogram, Bangladesh, known for its environmental, cultural, and historical significance, is facing permanent changes due to the construction of a hospital, medical college, and nursing institute by United Enterprise and Company Limited in partnership with Bangladesh Railway. Despite protests from residents and eminent citizens citing the need to preserve the area's natural beauty and heritage, construction has begun, with the hospital to be named after Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib. The project, approved by the prime minister, has been met with opposition from various quarters, including the Chattogram Development Authority, which has designated CRB as a reserved area in its Detailed Area Plan.

Laram Bom, a beloved figure and guide in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, was known for his hospitality and efforts to protect the natural beauty of Boga Lake from encroachment. Despite facing lawsuits and attacks, he stood against influential individuals attempting to seize the area. His role was pivotal in preventing the establishment of unauthorized structures by the local administration and the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. The community credits him with pioneering community and homestay tourism in Bandarban's forests. Laram's murder has left the community in mourning, with many expressing their grief on social media and calling for justice. His family is devastated, fearing to seek legal recourse, and his wife has been coerced into filing a case by the police. The article reflects on the impact of Laram's life and the void his death has created.

The article discusses the failure to implement the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accord in Bangladesh, which has led to severe threats to the culture and identity of the Indigenous population in the region. The Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Francisco Cali Tzay, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the accord, emphasizing the continued vulnerability, marginalization, and human rights violations experienced by the Indigenous Peoples. The accord's provisions, including land return, the establishment of a land dispute resolution commission, withdrawal of military camps, and rehabilitation of displaced Indigenous Peoples, have not been fully realized. The article also addresses the increase in violence against Indigenous women and the prevailing culture of impunity. The Special Rapporteur calls for honesty, sincerity, dialogue, good faith, and mutual trust from the Government of Bangladesh to respect its commitments and ensure the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in implementing the accord.

A roundtable meeting organized by the Lama Sarai Bhumi Raksha Sangram Committee at the Dhaka National Press Club called for the cancellation of the illegal lease of Lama Rubber Industries and the protection of Jhum land belonging to Mro and Tripura villagers in Bandarban. Speakers, including academics and activists, highlighted the plight of ethnic communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, accusing Lama Rubber Industries of land grabbing, environmental destruction, and human rights abuses. They demanded justice for the poisoning of water sources, destruction of natural forests, and attacks on local villagers. The meeting also called for compensation for affected villagers, the arrest and punishment of those responsible for the crimes, and the withdrawal of all false cases against community leaders and villagers.

The article discusses the plight of the Kheyang community in Gunguru Kheyang Para, Bandarban, Bangladesh, where a brick kiln named ABC has been operating illegally on the premises of a government primary school for over a decade. Despite numerous complaints, petitions, and memorandums to various government bodies, no action has been taken to close or relocate the kiln. The kiln's presence has led to deforestation, biodiversity loss in the nearby wildlife sanctuary, and disruption of school activities due to smoke, noise, and dust. Local authorities have acknowledged the issue, and the Additional District Magistrate has promised to investigate and take stern action if necessary. The owner of the brick kiln has been unresponsive to attempts at contact.

On October 14, during the Durga Puja festival, a series of attacks targeted the Hindu community in Lama Bazar, Bandarban. Thirty Hindu-owned shops were vandalised and looted, and the Lama Kendrio Hari Mandir temple was attacked by religious extremists. The violence resulted in injuries to at least 25 individuals, including 10 police officers. The local Hindu community, which consists of around 400 families, has been living in fear since the incident. Despite the presence of law enforcement, the attackers were able to carry out their acts of vandalism and looting. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators. The article includes statements from victims, local officials, and law enforcement.

Pathormoni Chakma, a 63-year-old village chief, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in front of his family in Lulangchhari Chakma Para, Jurachhari upazila of Rangamati. The incident occurred on Sunday night, and the body was recovered and sent to Rangamati Sadar hospital the following morning. The police are investigating but have not commented on the identity of the killers. This follows similar incidents where union parishad members were gunned down in the same upazila and nearby Baghaichhari upazila within the last year.

An indigenous Buddhist monk, Augra Jyoti Mahasthabir, was attacked and robbed by two unidentified men inside the Pujgang Praggya Sadhona Bono Vihar temple in Panchhari upazila, Khagrachhari. The assailants, who spoke Bengali, inflicted wounds on the monk's head, hand, and body. The local Buddhist community is frightened following the incident. The monk was initially treated at Panchhari Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital. A case of attempted murder has been filed with the Panchhari Police Station.

The article discusses the plight of the Rakhine community in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, who have been forced to abandon their ancestral homes due to threats from Rohingya criminals and local influential figures. Over the years, the Rakhine population has significantly decreased from 70,000 to about 30,000, with many leaving the country in search of security. The establishment of Rohingya refugee camps on their lands and the lack of action from authorities have left the Rakhine with little hope of reclaiming their properties. Experts and community leaders express concern over the potential extinction of the Rakhine population in Bangladesh if the current situation persists.

In Bandarban's Lama upazila, approximately 65 Mro families from three villages are at risk of losing their ancestral homes and livelihoods due to alleged land grabbing by Lama Rubber Industries Limited. The company is accused of illegally occupying around 200 acres of jhum land, which the indigenous communities rely on for jhum cultivation and forest resources. The conflict has escalated with allegations of threats and a false legal case against community members. Despite a 2017 investigation report favoring the Mro people's land rights, the rubber company denies any wrongdoing, claiming legal lease agreements for the land. The situation has left the Mro families in fear of eviction and without recourse, as law enforcement is perceived to be siding with the land grabbers.

The article reports on the case of Lakingme Chakma, a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly abducted from her home in Teknaf, Bangladesh, and later found dead. Despite her family's efforts to seek justice, initial police response was inadequate. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) concluded that there was no abduction, but the family contests this claim, alleging that Lakingme was abducted, forcibly converted, and murdered. The Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-15) handed over Lakingme's body to her family following a court order, and she was buried according to Buddhist rituals. The case has raised concerns about the handling of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding Lakingme's death.

The article reports on the destruction and encroachment of a 200-year-old Buddhist temple, Dakkhin Hnila Boro Bouddha Vihar, in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. In 2010, individuals linked to the Awami League, including Mohammad Ali and his sons Rashed Mahmud Ali and Mahbub Morshed, forcibly took over the temple's land and demolished its main building. Despite the temple's historical significance and the religious importance to Buddhist devotees, local authorities have not taken action against the perpetrators. The temple's Ordination Hall and a 150-year-old Buddha statue made of octo-alloy remain, but there are fears of further theft and damage. Efforts by the Buddhist community to reclaim the land, including petitions to the prime minister's office, have been unsuccessful. The article includes statements from various officials and the current status of the temple's land.

The article reports on the extensive illegal logging in the Sangu reserve forest in Thanchi, Bandarban, Bangladesh. Over the past few years, a syndicate of timber merchants from Bandarban town and Chattogram has been felling century-old trees in the country's only virgin hill forest. Despite satellite evidence from SPARSO and local testimonies, the Forest Department has failed to take action, citing a shortage of manpower. Allegations have been made against forest officials for being complicit in the deforestation. The Daily Star's reporting has led to the formation of a vigilance team and a probe committee to investigate the illegal logging. The Sangu forest, declared protected in 1880, is home to diverse flora and fauna, and its destruction poses a significant threat to biodiversity. Other reserve forests in Bandarban are also facing similar threats due to unchecked logging activities.

The article discusses the ongoing issue of land grabbing in Bandarban, Bangladesh, where indigenous Mro families have been evicted from their ancestral lands by Bangalee settlers and private entities. Despite the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord signed in 1997, which was meant to resolve such disputes, around 230 Jumma families have been displaced. The full implementation of the accord is yet to be seen, with only 25 of its 72 clauses fully enacted. The CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission is awaiting the formulation of rules to address over 24,000 land dispute petitions. Indigenous leaders and activists argue that the land issue remains unresolved, and the full implementation of the Peace Accord is crucial for the protection of indigenous rights.

The Parbatya Chattogram Forest and Land Rights Protection Movement has urged authorities to protect the Sangu-Matamuhuri Sanctuary and Reserve Natural Forest from illegal logging, implicating timber smugglers and corrupt forest department officials. The sanctuary, established in 2010 to preserve endangered wildlife, is under threat due to organized illegal logging since mid-September. The movement demands the removal of loggers, action against complicit officials, and a halt to timber transportation in adjacent areas. They also call for a high-level investigation committee. Md Anwar Hossain of the Bandarban Pulpwood Plantation Division denies forest officials' involvement but acknowledges challenges in monitoring the remote forest.

A private university in Bandarban, founded by Minister Bir Bahadur U Shwe Sing and his brother-in-law Kwe Shwe Hla, used Tk 1.35 crore of government funds from the Bandarban Hill District Council to construct a water supply channel. Despite the university's claim of being a public-private partnership, the University Grants Commission lists it as private. The project was approved by the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs, but additional secretary Sk Mohammad Rezaul Islam was unaware of the details. The university's water supply channel project has raised questions about the appropriateness of using state funds for private purposes.

Nine professional robbers, who also raped a Chakma girl, confessed to their crimes, according to Khagrachhari police. Seven of the accused have been arrested, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining two. The criminals, who have prior criminal records and met in jail, invaded the victim's home, raped her, and looted valuables. The incident occurred in the Bolpaiye Adam area of Khagrachhari Sadar upazila. The victim has been suffering from mental health issues since the loss of her brother and father in 2005 and 2006.

The article reports on the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bandarban, Bangladesh, who have left the camps and settled in local areas, integrating into society by obtaining National Identity Cards (NIDs) and being included in voter lists. The report highlights cases of refugees like Amir Ali and Nur Nahar Begum, who have settled outside the camps and, in some instances, have managed to get NIDs. Local representatives are allegedly involved in providing citizenship documents to Rohingyas in exchange for money. Around 3,000 Rohingya families are said to have settled in Bandarban district, with some receiving government allowances. The district election officer acknowledged the existence of a syndicate providing citizenship documents to Rohingyas for money, and actions have been taken to cancel suspicious applications. The article also notes a decrease in the number of refugees in the camps, suggesting that some are leaving to integrate into Bangladeshi society, as the repatriation process to Myanmar is delayed.

Residents of Kalu Mro Para in Bandarban's Lama upazila are facing the destruction of their Village Common Forest (VCF) due to illegal logging. The community, which relies on the forest for their livelihood, water conservation, and biodiversity, has seen around 6,000 bamboos and 40 big trees cut down by alleged criminals, despite their protests. The local authorities, including the Union Parishad chairman and the Upazila chairman, have been accused of not assisting the villagers and allegedly abetting the loggers. The loggers, including Suikyacha Marma, Md Younus, and Md Ilias, are said to be operating with permission from the Mouza Chief, who has been giving inconsistent reports. The Divisional Forest Officer has acknowledged the issue and is taking steps to address the use of elephants for logging in the VCF.

The article discusses the challenges faced by students in the remote Chattogram Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when educational institutions were closed. Students like Gloriya Tripura from Ruma upazila of Bandarban are unable to access online classes broadcasted by Sangsad TV or uploaded on YouTube due to the lack of TV and internet facilities. The government's remote learning initiatives are inaccessible to many, with reports indicating low participation in online classes among students in the region. The situation is exacerbated by poverty and the remoteness of the area. Educational officers and local leaders express concern for the future of these students, as the pandemic continues to disrupt their only opportunity for education.

In Bandarban's remote Kurukpata area, the use of bamboo in the construction of a government primary school's drop wall sparked outrage on social media. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, responsible for the tender, demolished the walls after the issue went viral. The contractor, Md Jamal Uddin, who is also a local Awami League leader, admitted to the mistake. The school, serving 179 students, was nationalized in 2013. Local officials, including the school's acting headmaster and the union chairman, criticized the construction practices, citing risks to students.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board (CHTDB) is under scrutiny for allegedly violating environmental laws by constructing a road without approval from the Department of Environment (DoE). The construction has led to the destruction of twenty hills, a graveyard, and numerous trees and crops belonging to around fifty families in the villages of Khamtang Para and Chanda Para. The affected families have not been offered compensation, and some have been threatened with further property destruction or criminal charges for protesting. The CHTDB bylaws do not include provisions for monetary compensation for land or property acquisition. The DoE was unaware of the hill cutting, citing staff shortages as a reason for the lack of oversight. The article highlights the environmental and social impact of the road construction and the legal implications of hill cutting without approval.

The article reports on the plight of 15 Chak families, an ethnic minority group, who were forcibly evicted from their ancestral land in Shui Jaing Chak Para, Bandarban, Bangladesh, around three years ago. The families, comprising 81 individuals, are now living in dire conditions in Madhyam Chak Para. They were allegedly driven out by a group of criminals, with local Awami League leaders Mohammad Shafiullah and Kwe Shwe Hla accused of orchestrating the land grab for tourism business purposes. Despite a visit from the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry and promises of action, the Chak families remain displaced, with no formal complaints lodged due to fear of intimidation. The local administration has not taken any action, and the Chak community continues to live in fear of further evictions.

Hill district councils in Bangladesh, along with the CHT affairs ministry, spend over Tk 1.5 crore annually on foreign study tours for staff, but the application of knowledge gained remains unclear. Officials who participated in these tours to various Asian countries struggled to articulate what they learned or how it relates to their jobs. Critics, including a former National Human Rights Commission member and the president of SANAC, label the trips as misuse of government funds for pleasure. The CHT affairs ministry lacks a mechanism to evaluate the benefits of these tours, and while some officials defend the trips, the tangible benefits are not evident.

GK Shamim, recently arrested for financial crimes, is also implicated in land grabbing in Bandarban, Bangladesh. As a director of Sylvan Wye Resort and Spa Ltd, he is accused of using his influence to evict indigenous Marma Para inhabitants for a tourism project. Despite legal restrictions on land sales to non-residents, the resort claims to have purchased land legally. Indigenous leaders have lodged complaints, but allege inaction and corruption within the local administration. Lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua comments on the broader issue of land grabbing in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, while the administration denies collusion with land grabbers.

Three indigenous villages in Bandarban, Bangladesh, are threatened by land grabbing for a five-star hotel project by Sylvan Wye Resort and Spa Ltd, owned by Jashim Uddin (Montu), brother of Awami League lawmaker Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The 170 families of Saingya Tripura Para, Laimi Para, and Hati Bhanga Para have sought local administration help against land grabbing, destruction of natural resources, and harassment. Jashim claims to have bought the land legally with approvals from local authorities, but his residency and land ownership in Bandarban are disputed. Indigenous rights groups and the National Human Rights Commission are aware of the situation, and the government has been urged to support the indigenous people.

The article reports on the eviction of indigenous families from their ancestral lands in Bandarban, Bangladesh, to make way for a 5-star hotel by Sylvan Wye Resort and Spa Ltd. The company, led by Jashim Uddin (Montu), is accused of land grabbing, burning property, and harassment. Jashim, who is not a permanent resident of Bandarban, allegedly used fake documents to buy land, which is legally restricted to permanent residents. The indigenous communities have sought help from local authorities and rights groups. The article also mentions that Jashim donated land for a police camp, which has been acknowledged by local police. The issue raises concerns about the protection of indigenous peoples' rights and the legality of land transactions in the region.

Residents of Bandarban, Bangladesh, face the constant threat of landslides, with recent incidents resulting in fatalities and property damage. Despite warnings from local administration, many, including Jhinuk Begum, remain in vulnerable areas due to lack of alternatives. The government has proposed building shelter houses, but progress is hindered by complications. Activists like Jumlian Amnai argue that shelter homes alone are insufficient without guarantees of food and work. The local administration acknowledges that about 35,000 people are at risk due to indiscriminate hill cutting and unsafe housing, with political connections playing a role in the illegal construction and land grabbing.

Moung Hla Marma and Ma Hela Min, inspired by Moung Hla's late father Twi Mraoo Marma, run the Tribal Girls Orphans Home (TGOH) in Bandarban, Bangladesh, to provide shelter and education to underprivileged indigenous girls. Since its inception in 2007, the initiative has helped around 350 girls, with many attending universities and colleges. The orphanage, which started with Twi Mraoo's personal efforts and a Japanese donor's assistance under the Kansai Bangladesh Project, now faces funding challenges. It operates on income from farming and poultry, and the couple has taken a loan to improve facilities. The children receive education, meals, and familial care, with the couple's personal involvement in tutoring and managing the orphanage. Ma Hela, who is pursuing higher education, emphasizes the importance of education and women's empowerment in the region.

Illegal logging in Diri Mro Para, Bandarban, within the Village Common Forests (VCF), threatens the livelihoods and water sources of indigenous communities in the Chattagram Hill Tracts. Villagers, including the village chief Diri Mro and Tong Yoi Mro, face a water crisis and potential eviction due to the deforestation by Md Ali and Md Kutub, who allegedly have local administrative support. The VCFs are crucial for sustainable natural resource management, and their degradation has been a growing concern. Despite a government circular to conserve VCFs, enforcement is weak, partly due to manpower shortages, as noted by Kamal Uddin Ahmed, a divisional forest officer.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Border Guard Police (BGP) of Myanmar conducted a joint patrol along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, starting in Bandarban's Ghumdhum area. The initiative aims to improve relations and strengthen border policies between the two countries. A previous joint patrol was conducted on March 6 on the Naf river. The joint efforts come amidst Myanmar security forces building bunkers and fences along the border, causing concern among Rohingya refugees stranded on no man's land.

The article reports on the plight of the Mro community in Lama upazila of Bandarban, who are being forced out of their homes by a gang of land grabbers and timber traders. Mokbul Ahmad, also known as Mokbul Ukil, has been accused of occupying land and employing Rohingyas to cultivate it, threatening the indigenous people with legal action if they protest. Despite claiming to have purchased some land and received approval from local headmen, Mokbul could not provide evidence of such approvals. The Mro community, which relies on Jhum cultivation, is facing destruction of their crops and pollution of water sources due to the activities of timber smugglers who use elephants to transport logs. Local authorities acknowledge the issue but cite difficulties in taking action due to the remoteness of the area.