475 citizens condemn ‘deliberate inaction’ over rape, murder of Kheyang woman

Following the rape and murder of a woman from the Kheyang community in Bandarban’s Thanchi, 475 concerned citizens have issued a statement demanding a judicial investigation and expedited trial.

They condemned the slow pace of the investigation and legal proceedings, as well as what they described as the administration’s “deliberate inaction”.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the signatories also called for the immediate publication of the post-mortem report.

The statement was published by Johnny Kheyang, former president of the Bangladesh Kheyang Students’ Union, its current President Hero Kheyang, and General Secretary Sahlau Kheyang.

On May 5, the body of a Kheyang woman was recovered from the under-construction Thanchi-Likri road. Locals allege that she was raped before being murdered.

Following protests and demonstrations by indigenous rights groups, the Bandarban district administration had announced that the case was being investigated with the “highest level of importance”.

In a press briefing, Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini said they are yet to confirm whether the incident was an accident or murder.

She said the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, while law-enforcing officers are seriously continuing their investigations.

A month after the press conference, the 475 signatories have alleged that no “effective action” has been taken by either the district administration or police.

The signatories include students, teachers, researchers, workers, journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, development workers, environmentalists, student leaders, women’s rights advocates, cultural activists, poets, writers, publishers, freelancers, photographers, doctors, and politicians.

Their statement reads: “Although a case was filed at Thanchi Police Station on May 6, the Bandarban district administration and police have yet to take any effective steps. We strongly condemn the sluggish pace of investigation and prosecution of this heinous incident, as well as the administration’s deliberate nonchalance.”

They have demanded that the government ensure a judicial inquiry and speedy trial for the rape and murder of the Kheyang woman.

The signatories have also called for enacting a separate legislation and tribunal to ensure justice in cases of violence against women in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.