In a heart-wrenching incident, the dead body of a 35-year-old tribal youth Santijay Chakma was found close to the river Manu in Chhailengta on May 3. The deceased, son of Kalijay Chakma of Maynama Tilakpara, had gone out of his home on the night of May 2 in the name of paying money to a friend. Accompanied by a friend, Santijay did not return home all through the night. It was only the next morning that the report of his dead body lying below the bridge close to the Manu river reached his home. His parents and relatives rushed to the spot and saw the body before informing the Chhailengta police station.
The police arrived at the spot and recovered the dead body, which was sent to Chhailengta hospital for post-mortem. According to police sources, though there was no injury mark on the body, there were blood marks on the nose and mouth. Jahangir Hossain, officer in charge of the Chhailengta police station, stated that a definitive conclusion could only be reached after the final post-mortem report was received. However, he suggested that it appeared that Santijay had consumed drugs in overdose, resulting in the rupture of his lung.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as Santijay was a popular and respected member of the Maynama Tilakpara locality. Many people in the area have expressed their condolences to the family and have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. There are also growing concerns about the increasing instances of drug abuse among young people in the region.
The Chakma community, which is predominantly located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, has been facing numerous challenges in recent years. The community, which is largely made up of farmers and forest dwellers, has been struggling to protect its ancestral land from encroachment by outsiders. The Chakmas have also been facing discrimination and harassment from the state authorities and other powerful groups in the region.
Many members of the Chakma community have been forced to leave their homes and take refuge in neighboring India. Despite the challenges, the community has remained resilient and has been working to promote their culture and way of life. However, the increasing instances of drug abuse and other social problems have been a cause of concern for many members of the community.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse. Many young people in the region are unaware of the harmful effects of drugs and are often lured into addiction by drug traffickers. There is a pressing need for community-based programs that can help young people to stay away from drugs and make informed decisions about their lives.
The tragic incident involving Santijay Chakma has brought to light the challenges facing the Chakma community and the need for greater support and resources. It is hoped that the authorities will take immediate steps to investigate the matter and provide justice to the family of the deceased. At the same time, there is a need for concerted efforts by the community and civil society organizations to address the underlying causes of social problems and to work towards a brighter future for the Chakma community.
