"Marriott hotel construction in Bandarban against laws", 17 November 2020

Sixty-two eminent citizens...issued a statement against the construction of the Marriott hotel and resort at Bandarban's Chandrapahar, popularly known as Chimbuk.

Sikder Group's subsidiary R&R Holdings Ltd and the security forces have taken the initiative to build a five-star hotel and amusement park at Kaprupara, Dolapara and Shong Nam Hung of 302 Lulaing Mouza and 355 Sepru Mouza, said the statement.

The statement pointed out that the organisation was building the resort without the free, prior and informed consent of people of the Mro community.

This is in violation of the cultural norms acknowledged by this country's constitution and the CHT Regulation 1900, Bandarban Hill District Council Act 1989 and CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission Act 2001, said the statement...

Such a corporate venture is a threat to the existence of the local culture, heritage and ecosystem, said the citizens, adding that they want the project cancelled.

"The Mro protesters are being threatened," the statement said.

"Instead of listening to the legitimate demands of the Mro community, R&R Holding Ltd has begun razing the hills, obstructing the people from reaching their burial places, water sources as well as their sacred stones and trees...