U Pannya Jota Mahathera, a prominent Buddhist leader in Bangladesh, passed away at 65 in Chattogram. Known for founding the Golden Temple and the Be Happy Learning Centre, he was a significant figure in the Buddhist community and contributed to cultural and educational initiatives. Born into the Bohmong royal family, he served in the Bangladesh Government before dedicating his life to Buddhism. His contributions include authoring books and composing the Marma song 'Shangraima'. His death is mourned by many, and his legacy continues to impact the Buddhist community and beyond.

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.