Adivasis, victims of the February 19-20 arson in Baghachhari, yesterday demanded withdrawal of tlie army camp from the area, which they believe would help them have a peaceful environment.

“We urge our honourable prime minister to withdraw the army camp so that we can live under the Bangladesh flag peacefully,” said Gyanendo Chakma, president of Sajek Bhumi Rakkha Committee, at a sit-in staged in front of the Jatiya Press Club yesterday morning.

Adivasis also demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the persons responsible for the arson attack.

"How long will we endure torture and shed tears? Let us live in peace now,” Gyanendo added.

Members of the families affected in the arson participated in the two-hour-long gathering from 11:15am.

Gyanendo Chakma said, "After the signing of Chittagong Hill Tracts peace treaty, we dreamt of peace. But we fell victim to land grabbing again and again, and in some incidents, people were killed and their houses burnt down."

Representatives of latiya Mukti Council, jatiya Gonotantrik Gono Mancha, Naya Gonotantrik Gono Morcha and Bangladesh Chhatra Federation spoke in the program.

Speakers also demanded withdrawal of operation Uttaran, constitutional recognition of different ethnicities, an end to land grabbing and release of innocent arrestees in connection with the incident.