Bangladesh: Army moves to restrict Buddhism

On 21 February 2008, the Bangladesh army issued an order asking the village chiefs to submit details about the Buddhist temples including the temple lands, names of the monks and members of the temple management committees in Khagrachari district of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The notice issued by the commander of Shontila army camp at Pujgang under Panchari police station of Khagrachari district states, “It is hereby notified that all the Headmen and village chiefs under the jurisdiction of Shontila camp are requested to appear in the camp on the 22nd of February 2008, by 8 a.m” and provide information about all the temples.

The latest action undertaken the army is in clear violations of the fundamental right to freedom of religion. It is basically to restrict religious freedom of the Buddhists and to harass and intimidate the monks and the Buddhist followers.