http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/dec/23/23122003pl.htm#A5
Larma alleges oppression on minorities
STAFF CORRESPONDENT, CHITTAGONG
Dec 22: Joytirindra Bodhipriyo Larma alias Santu Larma, Chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council and President of Jana Sanghati Samity has alleged that the ruling parties were oppressing the minorities in Bangladesh. He said ultra nationalism and communalism are destroying the progressive forces in the country.
The nation could not fulfil the dreams of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War in 1971. Addressing a public rally at Laldighi maidan in the port city yesterday, he said the rulers are occupying land and homestead of the minorities in Bangladesh, not only in the Hill tracts but also in the plains.
"At present the anti liberation war forces are in power of the country. So the real freedom fighters are being neglected." Santu Larma added.
He said, the government was not taking steps to implement the CHT accord.
Sector commander during Liberation War Major General (Rtd) C R Datta Bir Uttam presided over the meeting while Santu Larma was the as chief guest.
Biplobi Binod Bihari Chowdhury, advocate Prioranjan Datta, Dr Ranjit Kumar Chowdhury, Shrimath Banshri Mohatehro, vice-president of Hindu, Buddha Christian Oikya Parishad, Christian leader Father Josef Jiban Gomez, vice-president of the Parishad, former high commissioner and Christian leader advocate Shil Sikder, prominent Buddha leader Vadanta Bodhipal Mohathero, Dr Neem Chandra Bhoumik and Prof Dr Ranjit Kumar De, president of the Parishad of Chittagong district (north), addressed the rally.
The speakers alleged that repression on the minorities of Bangladesh has increased after the Alliance government came to power. At present, terrorism and violence have spread all over the country. The minorities are being deprived of justice, human and fundamental rights, they alleged.
The Hindu Buddha Christian Oikya Parishad of Chittagong district committee organised the meeting to protest repression and to demand implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.