'Positive progress soon' on CHT Peace Accord implementation: Minister

Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan has said a “positive development” regarding the implementation of the long-pending Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord could be expected soon.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday (April 9), marking upcoming indigenous festivals—including Biju, Baisu, Sangrai, Bisu, Changlan and Changkran—he said the government is actively working on the issue.

Responding to a question on the delayed implementation of key provisions of the accord, the minister noted that the process remains under discussion. “We have only recently assumed responsibility. Please be patient—hopefully good news will come soon,” he said.

On recurring incidents of violence in the hill districts, he said the matter primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry, though his ministry would extend necessary support.

Dipen Dewan added that the government is committed to maintaining peace and accelerating development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, while preserving the distinct identity of indigenous communities and integrating them into the national mainstream.

The peace accord, signed on December 2, 1997 between the government and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), aimed to end decades of insurgency and ensure stability and development in the region.