The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has called on international election observers from the European Union, the Commonwealth, and Japan to intervene with the Government of Bangladesh over alleged threats to indigenous Buddhist parliamentary candidates in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) during the ongoing 13th Parliamentary elections.
According to RRAG, two independent Buddhist candidates — Mr Pahel Chakma from Rangamati constituency and Mr Dharma Jyoti Chakma from Khagrachari constituency — along with key members of their campaign teams, have allegedly received death threats from the Parbatto Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS). RRAG described the PCJSS as an armed group headed by Mr Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma (Santu Larma), who also serves as Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council.
RRAG further alleged that since 29 January 2026, the Bangladesh Army has deployed around 75 armed PCJSS cadres in the Dudukchara area under Logang Union in Khagrachari district. These cadres are accused of intimidating indigenous voters and pressuring them to support candidates from national political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizens Party.
RRAG stated that Mr Pahel Chakma filed a General Diary entry with the police on 17 January 2026, but authorities have allegedly refused to register a First Information Report (FIR). In another incident cited by the group, a forged withdrawal letter was reportedly submitted on 20 January 2026 to the Deputy Commissioner of Khagrachari district in the name of Mr Dharma Jyoti Chakma. RRAG claimed no action was taken over the alleged forgery. As both candidates refused to withdraw from the race, RRAG says they have continued to face death threats.
In a statement, Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of RRAG, alleged that although the PCJSS laid down arms following the 1997 CHT Accord, it has been allowed to retain an armed wing. He argued that because its president, Santu Larma, holds the rank and privileges of a state minister as Chairman of the CHT Regional Council while the group allegedly maintains an armed structure, the PCJSS effectively functions as a government-backed armed group.
Mr Chakma also referred to past incidents, including the reported arrest of 13 alleged PCJSS cadres in Agartala, Tripura, in June 2025, and cited a Guwahati High Court judgment (5 September 2024) in a National Investigation Agency case that reportedly described PCJSS as a terrorist organisation while examining an earlier arms seizure case.
RRAG alleged that although the PCJSS is not contesting the elections, it has been threatening independent indigenous candidates to ensure the victory of major national parties. The group claimed this reflects a broader understanding between national political actors and sections of the security establishment that undermines the prospects of free and fair elections for indigenous peoples in the CHT.
RRAG has urged international observers to deploy election monitors in Khagrachari and Rangamati districts, ensure protection for the two candidates and other vulnerable contestants, press Bangladeshi authorities to address the reported threats, and ensure that any armed cadres linked to PCJSS are confined to government barracks in accordance with human rights standards.
