DHAKA: Michael Chakma, a leader of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), has filed a complaint of enforced disappearance with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eight others. Chakma has accused them of being involved in his kidnapping, which he claims lasted over five years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chakma submitted a towel, said to have been used to blindfold him during his abduction, as evidence to the ICT. Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman confirmed to journalists that the towel was presented to the prosecution. Chakma also described to the tribunal a glassed circular room, referred to as “Ayna Ghar,” where he was allegedly held for more than five years and four months.
Chakma linked his abduction to political tensions that arose after the UPDF called a siege program in 2013 during a visit by Sheikh Hasina to Khagrachhari. He claimed that Hasina had threatened the blockaders, including himself, during the tour. Chakma further stated that he was questioned multiple times during his disappearance due to his and his party’s opposition to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord.
Chakma recounted that he was abducted by unidentified individuals on April 9, 2019, from the Kanchpur area of Narayanganj district while en route to Dhaka after completing organizational work. He alleged that law enforcement agencies were responsible for his kidnapping, attributing it to his political stance. Chakma was released on August 7, following what he described as the fall of the “fascist” government of Sheikh Hasina, which was precipitated by a popular uprising in July and August.