A New Delhi-based rights group, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), has called upon international election observers from the European Union, the Commonwealth, and Japan to step in regarding reported threats to indigenous Buddhist candidates participating in Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The 13th general election for the 300-member Bangladesh Parliament is set for February 12. RRAG alleged that two independent Buddhist candidates, Pahel Chakma and Dharmajyoti Chakma, along with their campaign teams, have faced death threats from the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS).
The rights body claimed that the PCJSS, led by Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma, also known as Santu Larma, and reportedly government-sponsored, has deployed about 75 armed cadres in the Dudukchara area to intimidate indigenous voters and influence their support towards candidates of national political parties. Despite a general diary being filed by Pahel Chakma on January 17, the Bangladesh Police has allegedly not registered an FIR, causing heightened concerns among the candidates and their supporters.
RRAG highlighted an incident where a forged withdrawal letter was submitted on behalf of Dharmajyoti Chakma, but no action was taken. The candidates, refusing to withdraw from the electoral race, continue to face threats. RRAG emphasized that although the PCJSS officially surrendered its arms after the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord, it has reportedly maintained its armed wing, with Santu Larma serving as Chairman of the Regional Council for almost three decades without elections.
The rights group also mentioned past events, including the arrest of alleged PCJSS cadres and a court judgement describing the PCJSS as a terrorist organization. RRAG Director Suhas Chakma accused the PCJSS of threatening independent indigenous candidates to ensure the victory of national political parties, calling it a breach of democratic norms. RRAG urged international election observers to monitor the situation in Khagrachari and Rangamati districts, safeguard the affected candidates, and work with Bangladeshi authorities to prevent further intimidation.
