In the aftermath of the rape of an indigenous schoolgirl in Khagrachari, an incident that sparked violence leaving three people dead on Sunday, leading athletes from the Chittagong Hill Tracts have spoken out, urging justice and an end to unrest.
Women’s footballers Rupna Chakma and Monika Chakma, men’s national team goalkeeper Mitul Marma, and boxer Suro Krishna Chakma were among those who took to social media to condemn the crime and call for unity.
Rupna: ‘A peaceful and just Bangladesh’
Bangladesh women’s team goalkeeper Rupna Chakma expressed her outrage and despair over the incident, questioning the safety of women in the country.
“Speaking in favour of rapists is, in itself, a form of complicity,” she wrote. “We are all citizens of Bangladesh… All I want is a peaceful and just Bangladesh — for me and for all of us.”
Monika: ‘Let’s protect the peace of the hills’
Her teammate, midfielder Monika Chakma, appealed for harmony in the Hill Tracts.
“These hills belong to you, me, and all of us,” she posted. “Let’s protect the peace of the hills and put an end to all this.”
Mitul: ‘The entire nation must stand’
National men’s team goalkeeper Mitul Marma warned against a growing culture of impunity.
“It’s not just the hills, the entire nation must stand against rape, violence, and injustice,” he wrote. “Now is the time to resist, raise awareness, and ensure justice for victims.”
Suro Krishna: ‘Zero tolerance must be declared’
Acclaimed boxer Suro Krishna Chakma echoed those demands, stressing the need for accountability.
“There must be a declaration of zero tolerance against rape in the hills,” he said, cautioning that failure to act could force communities to take matters into their own hands.
