Implement CHT Peace Accord to restore peace in the hills

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are renowned for their natural beauty, encompassing the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. This region covers approximately one-tenth of Bangladesh’s total area and, according to the 2011 census, has a population of about 1.58 million. Among this population, 11 ethnic minorities represent around 50 per cent of the inhabitants, while the remainder consists of Bengalis and other non-tribal communities.

A longstanding conflict has persisted between the indigenous people and the Bengali settlers. Despite coexisting in close proximity, tensions have frequently escalated into clashes. In response to these issues, then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina signed the 1997 Peace Accord regarding the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which aimed to bring stability to the region. While the situation improved somewhat after the accord, recent tensions between the hill communities and Bengalis have sparked new conflicts.

Four people were killed and at least 80 others injured during violent clashes in two hill districts. The divisional commissioner of Chittagong has been tasked with identifying those responsible for the violence and taking necessary legal measures, alongside initiatives to restore peace and harmony in the affected areas.

According to local residents and police sources, the unrest began with the death of a Bengali man in Dighinala, who was beaten to death on suspicion of theft. Following this incident, homes belonging to indigenous people were attacked and set ablaze. In the ensuing chaos, three indigenous people were killed in a shootout with the army. The situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts has become increasingly volatile. In response to fears of further riots, the local administration imposed Section 144 in Rangamati, although this measure has since been lifted. The overall atmosphere remains tense.

What is the way out of this conflict? According to a news article published on Monday, September 23, experts emphasize that implementing the Peace Accord is crucial to resolving the crisis in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This message was echoed by speakers at a protest rally organized by the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord Implementation Movement in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh on Sunday. They stressed that, in the spirit of the anti-discrimination movement, it is essential to eliminate discrimination against the indigenous people. Understanding the root causes of the unrest is vital, as the independence and sovereignty of the country cannot be safeguarded through violence or the marginalization of tribal communities.

From the protest rally, eight key demands were placed, with an emphasis on prioritizing the implementation of the Peace Accord as a critical step for the interim government to establish lasting peace in the hills. The demands include: Immediate and thorough investigation into the recent incidents in the hills, Formation of an independent commission of inquiry regarding the attacks in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Dighinala, Assurance of safety for the Jumma people and other hill dwellers, Provision of proper compensation to the families of those killed in the violence and adequate medical treatment for the injured, Reconstruction of the damaged Buddhist monastery of the Jumma community, Compensation for shop and home owners affected by the unrest.

Addressing these issues is essential for fostering dialogue and restoring peace in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Despite the existence of a peace agreement, both the indigenous and Bengali communities have expressed dissatisfaction with it. Nevertheless, it is true that, as a result of the agreement, violent confrontations with the state have diminished. Significant developmental work has taken place in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, although movement for people from the plains remains restricted. An institutional framework has also been established, including the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, and Zilla Parishads in the three hill districts.

Experts assert that lasting peace will not be achieved unless the Peace Accord is fully implemented. They urge the current interim government to prioritize the implementation of the CHT peace accord and take decisive action on this front. It is essential to uphold the spirit of the people's revolution by ensuring that all citizens, including marginalized communities, have their rights respected. Failure to do so poses risks for both the indigenous and Bengali populations.