We are deeply disturbed by the arson attack on the minority Tripura community in Lama, Bandarban, in which 17 homes were reportedly reduced to ashes on Christmas Eve. Seemingly rooted in local disputes over land, the assault reflects a disturbing trend of exploitation and impunity that has often endangered the lives and properties of minorities in Bangladesh. The symbolism of this incident—occurring on what should have been a day of joy—is also chilling, and heartbreaking, underscoring the urgency of acting decisively to ensure the safety of minorities.

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We must protect minorities from opportunist criminals

One may recall a similar attack on December 3, when a mob targeted Hindu residents at Manglargaon village in Sunamganj, following allegations of blasphemy against a young Hindu man who apparently posted an offensive comment about Islam on Facebook. Despite his arrest under the Cyber Security Act, the mob ransacked about 40 houses, several shops, and temples. In Lama, the victims happened to be Christian. According to a report by this daily, the attack occurred at the Notun Tongjhiri Tripura Para of Sarai union when the families were attending Christmas prayers and celebrations in a neighbouring village due to the absence of a local church. There were 19 bamboo-and-thatch houses; of them, only two were left unscarred when the families rushed back upon hearing the news. As of writing this editorial, the authorities have yet to arrest any perpetrators, although an FIR has been filed.

Locals say the Tripura community had lived in the area for generations before being forcibly evicted a few years ago by individuals claiming that the land had been leased to the wife of former IGP Benazir Ahmed. After the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, the evicted families returned to rebuild their homes, only to lose them again, highlighting a troubling intersection of political influence, land rights, and minority vulnerabilities.

Locals say the Tripura community had lived in the area for generations before being forcibly evicted a few years ago by individuals claiming that the land had been leased to the wife of former IGP Benazir Ahmed. After the fall of the Awami League regime on August 5, the evicted families returned to rebuild their homes, only to lose them again, highlighting a troubling intersection of political influence, land rights, and minority vulnerabilities. It's evident that land disputes—long a source of tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts—are still being used as a pretext for violence against Indigenous communities. The Sunamganj attack, on the other hand, highlights how religious sensitivities can be exploited to incite such violence. In many cases, such incidents are orchestrated by vested interests for personal or political gain.

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End exploitation of Indigenous communities

We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the Lama attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. Swift, visible action is particularly important in light of the ongoing disinformation campaign about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Moreover, the authorities must extend comprehensive support to the victims so that they can rebuild their homes and lives. The assistance provided so far—two blankets and one sack of rice per family—is grossly inadequate, and so must be enhanced. Given the vulnerabilities of Indigenous communities in CHT, it is also crucial to strengthen the institutional framework for protecting their rights, especially land rights.