The Independent, 6 September 2003
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/sep/06/06092003mt.htm#A6
STAFF REPORTER
Tribal people protested the government’s Madhupur National Park Project saying that it would jeopardise the livelihood of some 25,000 tribesmen in Madhupur area.
Compartmentalisation of the forest by erecting walls in the name of enhancing beauty of the forest would affect the social, cultural and economic activities of Garo and Koch population in the area, speakers at a protest rally said yesterday in the city.
Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF) organised the demonstration of Shaheed Minar premises demanding cancellation of the Modhupur National Park Project.
Convenor of the BAF and the writer on indigenous issues Sanjeeb Drong, Vice-President of the BAF Rabindra Nath Saren, Professor of Sociology Department of Dhaka University (DU) Dr Sadeka Halim, Professor of DU Anthropology Department Dr HKS Arefin, leader of Social Movement (Samajik Andolan) Pankaj Bhattacharya and Chief of CHT’s Chakma Circle Barrister Raja Debashish Roy addressed the rally.
Construction of walls within the forest would separate the ethnic villages one from another and would restrict freedom of movement of the people. It would also affect daily lives of the people who are dependent on forest economy and would give leeway to the Department of Forest to file false case against indigenous people.
Chief of Chakma Circle Raja Debashish Roy said, "Constitutional guarantee of the ethnic people must be ensured."
"The government initiative to construct wall within Madhupur National Forest reminds us of installation of Yellow Stone Park at Red Indian forests in USA which ultimately resulted in eviction of Red Indians from their dear woods," the Chakma King added.
He also mentioned the recent acts of vandalism in Mahalchhari allegedly by Bengali settlers by Army jawans.
Pankaj Bhattacharya, leader of Social Movement said, "This State has adopted a policy of evicting marginal people from their homes the poor, the indigenous and the religious minorities are the worst victims."
He criticised statement made by Abdul Wadud MP of Khagrachhari about Mahalchhari incident and said the government and the local administration in particular should be held responsible for the incident.
The BAF demonstration raised a three-points demands including cancellation
of the Modhupur Park Project, nullifying the Madhupur National Park Committee
within September 14 and ensuring meaningful participation of ethnic people in
any project in the indigenous area.