The 18th of March marked the first anniversary of the death of Adivasi Leader Cholesh Richil after his being arrested and taken into the custody of the Joint Forces. In the year that has passed, the Government has failed to make the expected progress in securing justice for Cholesh and his family, or for the Adivasi community.

The formation of the Judicial Inquiry Committee to investigate the cause of death of Cholesh Richil was an important step towards ensuring justice and accountability for his death. However, as with all inquiry committees, this Committee too has yet to publish its report on the matter, for reasons which have not been stated or known to date. We believe that the delay in publication of the report is a major obstruction to securing justice for Cholesh and his family, for all Adivasis and for all citizens of Bangladesh. It is also significant impediment to the establishment of rule of law in the country.

On the first death anniversary of the Adivasi leader Cholesh Richil, we demand
•    Immediate publication of the report of the Judicial Inquiry Committee;
•    Appropriate legal action be taken against those responsible for Cholesh’s death;
•    Appropriate and adequate compensation for the family of Cholesh Richil.