The government has accused Rani Yan Yan, an indigenous rights activist in the hill tracts, of spreading "disinformation against the government and the security forces internationally" and cautioned her against such activities.
Rangamati’s deputy commissioner (DC), Nazma Ashrafi, sent the letter on April 6 accusing Rani Yan Yan, who is also the spouse of Chakma circle chief, Debasish Roy Wangza, for “deterioration of the situation” in the CHT region.
The letter from Rangamati DC, states in the subject line, “regarding the exercise of caution by properly following the laws and regulations of the country while delivering speeches and conducting activities”. Nazma said she was instructed to send the letter by the home ministry’s political wing-2 as the letter mentions in its reference line.
Deputy Secretary KM Yasir Arafat, who oversees that political wing, said that the Rangamati DC was asked to send the letter based on the causes listed in the letter.
The letter reads, it has been “reported by various intelligence agencies” that Yan Yan is “involved in propaganda by uniting members of various tribal organisations in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region” and is involved in spreading “false and misleading information against the Bangladesh government and the army in the international arena”.
“As the political and social situation in the CHT region is extremely sensitive, it appears that such activities may cause a deterioration of the situation in this region,” stated the letter.
“Under these circumstances, you are requested to exercise caution in the future by strictly following the prevailing laws and regulations of the country when delivering any such speeches or conducting activities,” it continued.
Yan Yan responded to the letter yesterday (Saturday) through her lawyer Sara Hossain, stating that the claims that she is spreading disinformation and destabilising the region are “false and baseless”.
She sought clarification and called for the letter to be withdrawn, cancelled or rescinded immediately.
