Rangamati, Aug 24 (V7N) - In Rangamati, a recent meeting labeled as a consultation with civil society was reportedly attended solely by beneficiaries of the Awami League from the past 15 years. This has drawn criticism from activists and students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and even among anti-Awami factions.
 
The meeting excluded individuals who suffered under the Awami League's rule over the past 15 years, including those who were imprisoned and tortured. Instead, it included only those who had been present at various official meetings and as representatives of government groups during that period. Leaders from BNP, Jamaat, the National Party, and any anti-Awami League figures were not invited.
 
Furthermore, no active members from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who had been injured during past protests, were included. Instead, the meeting featured speeches from leaders associated with the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, according to the movement’s complaints.
 
Supradip Chakma, the Advisor on Hill Tracts Affairs and the chief guest of the meeting, stated, “I will consult with these esteemed individuals and, based on their advice, propose the formation of the District Council.” This raises concerns about whether the Awami-affiliated attendees can offer unbiased advice for creating a neutral District Council.
 
The meeting saw the participation of relatives of Awami League's three-time unopposed representatives, district Awami League leaders, key figures in the party's election manipulation, controversial former and current members of the Human Rights Commission, Awami-affiliated council members, representatives involved in the misappropriation of funds for Sheikh Russell Stadium, the brother-in-law of the Hill Regional Council Chairman, a prominent indigenous leader, leaders from the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, Jagoo Hindu Parishad leaders, and a teacher with communal views from Rangamati Science and Technology University. This inclusion has generated new controversy.
 
At the start of the meeting, the District Administration instructed those not on the guest list to leave, which raised suspicions about the meeting’s intentions.
 
When inquired, an Additional District Commissioner of Rangamati explained that the District Administration did not prepare a guest list; instead, the list provided by the Assistant to the Hill Tracts Advisor was used. The District Commissioner or the administration had no control over this process.
 
Meanwhile, Rangamati District BNP leaders, including the President and General Secretary, stated that they were not informed about the Advisor’s visit or the meeting at the DC office.
 
Representatives from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Rangamati argued that the interim government’s formation was a result of nationwide protests and sacrifices. They believe that the Advisor, appointed by the government, consulted with figures associated with the previous autocratic regime and their so-called civil society during his visit. This suggests that the same individuals may influence future decisions regarding the District Council, raising concerns about the direction of Rangamati’s future.
 
END/AM/SAI/