Tura, India — A prominent advocacy group for the Garo community, the A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), has issued a strong condemnation of a recent attack on two Garo families in Bangladesh, urging for the swift apprehension and prosecution of the attackers. Representing the global Garo diaspora, ACHIK expressed profound concern over the safety of Garos in Bangladesh following the violent incidents that transpired on October 15, 2024.
The affected individuals, identified as Bisso Mree, Eva Mree, and Stanton Mree, were violently assaulted in their home in Babelakona, Bangladesh. The gravity and brutality of the attack have not only shocked the Garo community but have also highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by indigenous populations in the region.
In response to these events, ACHIK forwarded a detailed letter to the Deputy High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kolkata, articulating their outrage and demands for justice. The organization highlighted the Garo people’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s cultural and social framework, and emphasized that such acts of violence threaten the very fabric of their communal and national identity.
ACHIK’s letter underscored the attack as an egregious violation of human rights and an affront to the dignity of all Garo people. They called for the interim government of Bangladesh to launch a comprehensive and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to deter similar future attacks against any indigenous community.
Moreover, the organization implored the Bangladeshi government to proactively safeguard its indigenous populations by enacting measures against violence, discrimination, and marginalization. This proactive stance is seen as essential not just for the welfare of the Garo, but for all minority communities within the country.
The urgency conveyed by ACHIK reflects growing concerns over the security and welfare of indigenous groups in South Asia, who are often caught in the crosshairs of broader social and political conflicts. Such incidents bring to light the urgent need for protective legislations and action plans that ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable populations, underlining the importance of government intervention.
The international community and human rights organizations are likely to monitor the situation closely, looking for signs of compliance and corrective actions from the Bangladeshi authorities. This incident serves as a crucial test case for the efficacy of national and international human rights mechanisms in protecting minority rights and ensuring justice in a timely and fair manner.
As discussions around indigenous rights gain momentum, events such as the attack on the Garo families serve as a grim reminder of the challenges these communities face and the persistent advocacy needed to protect their rights and dignities in an ever-evolving world.