Every govt failed to protect women from rapes in CHT: Raja Devasish Roy

Barrister Devasish Roy, Raja of the Chakma Circle, today said every government in Bangladesh failed to protect women from sexual violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT).

"Rape incidents have been happening in the CHT for decades. But I don't see any government that has taken proper steps to protect women, prevent such crimes, and bring rapists to justice," he said.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Dr Ramendu Shekhar Dewan Memorial Football Tournament 2025 at Rangapani Football Ground in Rangamati this afternoon.

Condemning the recent rape of a minor in Khagrachhari, he demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible. "People will naturally be worried and angry when such crimes occur. I hope the government will treat the issue seriously and not take it lightly," he added.

The opening event was also attended by CHT Regional Council Chairman Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma (Santu Larma), PCJSS Central Vice-President Ushatan Talukder, former Human Rights Commission member Nirupa Dewan, Bangladesh Indigenous Forum Hill Region President Prakriti Ranjan Chakma, and CHT Regional Council Member Gautam Chakma, among others.

For the third time, 24 teams are taking part in the tournament, regarded as the largest football competition across the three hill districts.