Aulik Mree Resigns from NCP Over Silence on Khagrachhari Rape and Violence

Aulik Mree, a central leader of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), has resigned from his post in protest against the party’s silence over the recent rape of an indigenous teenage girl and the subsequent violence in Khagrachhari.

On Monday (September 29), Aulik Mree announced his resignation from the post of Central Joint Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of the NCP through a verified post on his Facebook account.

In the post, he wrote:

“The silence of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) regarding the rape of an indigenous teenage girl in Khagrachhari, attacks on indigenous people, arson of their homes, and the killing of three indigenous people has deeply hurt me. Furthermore, in protest against the false statements made by NCP leader Hannan Masood regarding the rape, I am resigning from my position as Central Joint Chief Organizer (Northern Region). My resignation letter has been sent to the party's email and to the responsible authorities. I wish the best for the NCP. Inquilab Zindabad.”

In his resignation letter, Mree wrote that a political party’s ethical stance is most tested when it comes to human rights and justice. He described the NCP's silence in such a horrific incident and its failure to express solidarity with the victims as inhumane.

Tensions escalated in Khagrachhari following the alleged rape of a teenage girl from the indigenous Marma community. The incident triggered widespread unrest, including attacks on villages, arson, and violence that resulted in the deaths of at least four indigenous people. Several human rights organisations have since expressed serious concern. However, victims’ families allege that no effective action has yet been taken.

Political observers have noted that the NCP is considered by many to be the "de facto ruling party" during the current interim administration. The party's chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, often refers to the NCP as his appointing authority. The party's silence in the wake of such a grave humanitarian crisis has raised serious questions and suspicions.

Though the NCP claims to be a centrist party, many believe that its actions and the rhetoric of its leaders show a clear right-leaning political orientation.

Aulik Mree had been serving the NCP in an organizational capacity in the northern region since the party’s inception. He has been vocal about the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities. His resignation has sparked discussions in political circles.

Human rights activists have emphasized that silence from political parties during such critical moments sends a demoralizing message not just to the victims, but to society at large. They have urged all political parties to take a clear and strong stance in favour of justice and accountability.