The Independent, 14th November 2003

http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/nov/14/14112003mt.htm#A9


UNDP to launch humanitarian operation at Mohalchhari

MONITORING STAFF
The United Nations Development Programme, the UNDP will launch a
humanitarian operation at Mohalchhari in Khagrachhari district within a
week to rehabilitate the affected people victimised by violence between
Bangalee settlers and tribals. The hill people and settlers were
involved in fierce clashes and arson in September this year, according
to a BBC report monitored in Dhaka on Thursday.
The report jointly prepared by the Ministry of CHT Affairs and the UNDP
determining the extent of destruction caused by that violence has
already been submitted to the government.
Deputy Minister for CHT Affairs, Moni Swapan Dewan told the BBC, "the
UNDP has undertaken a plan to rehabilitate the distressed people. About
371 houses were torched that left 430 families homeless. Most of the
victims are tribals."
The minister added, "the government has provided the affected people
with food, clothing, books and other essentials. We are continuing to
give ration to the victims. Other organisations have also given them
humanitarian aid. The CHT Ministry has given the army Taka 30 lakh for
the construction of houses for the displaced people."
Moni Swapan noted the UNDP would start their rehabilitation programme
with an initial fund of 80,000 US dollars committed by its headquarters
and 45900 US dollars pledged by the Danish Embassy. Other countries have
also pledged help, he pointed out.
Dewan said some officials in the area had already been transferred for
negligence of duty. He added the Bangladesh government hoped the UNDP
and other donors would soon begin development work in the CHT region.