Rape allegation against Army personnel in Farua , Bilachari, Rangamati, Bangladesh Update

#LifeInCHT

1. There are two survivors . NOT ONE. One was reportedly raped , the younger one was reportedly molested by the arm force personnels.

2. They are in the medical. Cases are yet to file ( according to the last info I have ). don't know whether the medical check up on Rape took place or not. The alleged rape took place on Jan 22 , 2018 around 1.30 am. Today it's 25th January. If there is no medical examination then this is destroying evidence intentionally, isn't it? Whats the point of govt opening One Stop Crisis Centre and other facilities for the VAW victims?

3. We are observing a tendency of each government institutions including the law enforcement agencies to cover up this incident.

4. Rights activists and Civil society people are being told by LEA and Security Forces' that they need permission if they want to meet the survivors.

The question is from whom and why rights activist needs the permission? since when people need permission to visit survivors and stand with empathy? Under which law ? . There are many VAW cases in CHT and all over Bangladesh why this case is under such surveillance? if this is a part of their duty then shouldn't they play the same role in other VAW cases' that's happening in Bangladesh ?

1. Survivors cant speak in Bangla. They are afraid and they need to be in Safe space immediately, without any sort of intimidation.

2. A press conference was held by some "Russel Marma " claiming no rape by arm force personnel took place. Russel Marma also claimed he is a relative of the survivors .But the survivors confirmed they don't even know this person.

3. In this same press conference - the younger brother of the survivors stated in Marma Language - he said - he saw the perpetrators. The perpetrators were speaking with each other in Bangla and were wearing Army Uniform.

4. ensuring security for this family is very much needed. And by security I dont mean surveillance. Security means where someone doesn't feel scared and threatened and feel free to talk on whatever issue he/she wants to.

Thanks Muktasree Chakma Sathi for update.