Individual Misdeeds Cannot Be Blamed on an Entire Community, Hema Chakma.

Staff Reporter ​Imposing the blame for an individual’s crime on an entire ethnic group and labeling people indiscriminately as "hill terrorists" based on their identity is unreasonable, said Hema Chakma, an executive member of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU). She made these remarks while addressing concerns regarding the current security system, administrative environment, and the harassment of locals based on ethnicity in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). ​In an interview, Hema Chakma highlighted the distinction between security operations and administrative control in the hill region. Clarifying her position, she stated that they are not advocating for the complete withdrawal of the army, but rather an end to "military rule." ​"We are not asking for army withdrawal from the hills; we want an end to military rule. In a sovereign country, there cannot be dual policies for citizens living in the plains and those in the hills. The army can remain deployed for national defense, but administrative control or ruling over ordinary citizens should not be their responsibility," she said. ​Highlighting the disparity in daily civic experiences between residents of the plains and the hills, the DUCSU member alleged that while a citizen in the plains can move freely, ordinary people in the hills face frequent searches and interrogations just for traveling or carrying daily necessities. ​Criticizing the tendency to make assumptions based on ethnic identity, she added, "During bus searches in Rangamati, Bengali passengers often pass by simply showing their identity cards, whereas hill people face thorough bag searches. It seems there is a predefined mindset that 'because I am a Chakma, I might be a terrorist.'" ​Citing the recent crisis affecting the Bawm community, she noted that while punishing individuals involved in specific crimes or bank robberies is justifiable, subjected an entire ethnic group including women and children to blanket surveillance or arrests is unacceptable. ​Acknowledging the importance of security, Hema Chakma emphasized that security measures must not become a pretext for discrimination and harassment. She stressed that upholding the fundamental civil rights and equal dignity of local residents is essential to ensuring permanent peace and stability in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.